Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 on June 23 in their second Group I match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, securing an early berth in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 knockout stage [1, 2, 3]. This marks Norway's first World Cup appearance since 1998 [1, 4].

Marcus Holmgren Pedersen opened the scoring in the 43rd minute for Norway [3]. Erling Haaland added two goals, his second consecutive brace of the tournament, bringing his total to 4 goals, tied second on the tournament's golden boot list with Kylian Mbappé [1, 3, 5]. Senegal's Ismaila Sarr scored twice to close the gap but Norway held on to seal the win [3]. The match drew 80,663 fans, the largest attendance for a Norwegian national team game since 1957 [3].

Following the victory, Norway’s players, led by captain Martin Ødegaard and coach Ståle Solbakken, performed the "Viking Row" celebration. The team formed rows and mimicked rowing motions to drumbeats and shouts of "Ro!" [1, 6, 4]. Solbakken initially celebrated by hugging his wife in the stands before joining the Viking Row behind Haaland [1]. Norwegian forward Alexander Sorloth described the celebration as "really fun, more enjoyable than I imagined. When you hear that sound, it’s magical," and expressed confidence the team could go far if they play their best [1].

The Viking Row cheer, inspired by Viking longships symbolizing unity, has been widely adopted by Norwegian fans, including in Trondheim and in New York City's Times Square and subway [1, 7, 8]. However, the celebration drew mixed reactions in neighboring Nordic countries. Swedish players said it was overused and reminiscent of Iceland’s Viking clap, with one calling it exasperating on broadcasts. Danish media expressed frustration and envy, feeling Norway’s success overshadowed them [9].

After the match, discussions arose in Norway about whether to grant holidays following late-night World Cup games, citing concerns for workers unable to rest, such as delivery drivers [3]. Norway now has 6 points in Group I, tied with France but placed second on goal difference [1]. The two teams will meet on June 27 to decide first place in the group [1, 3]. FIFA president Gianni Infantino attended the match and sat near Haaland’s father, former 1994 Norway World Cup player Alf-Inge Haaland [3].

Norway’s next match against France on June 27 will determine the Group I leader ahead of the round of 32.