A group of Norwegian supporters took over New York City’s subway system and Times Square over the weekend, performing the thunderous Viking Row chant that’s become a hallmark of the country’s football culture. Videos posted online show dozens of fans stomping and clapping in unison, their voices echoing through stations and across the bustling tourist hub.
The Viking Row Chant
Known in Norway as “Viking Row” or simply the “clap,” the chant mimics the rhythmic rowing motion of ancient Norse seafarers. Fans lock arms, stomp their feet, and shout in call-and-response fashion, building to a crescendo. The routine gained international attention during the 2018 World Cup, when Iceland’s “Viking clap” went viral, but Norwegian fans have their own version, often used at home matches and on foreign soil.
Subway Serenades
Videos captured inside subway cars show the group squeezing into crowded trains, starting the chant without warning. Commuters looked up from their phones, some joining in, others filming. The performance moved through multiple stations, with the beat of stomps replacing the usual rumble of the rails. Transit officials did not comment on the gatherings, but no disruptions were reported.
Times Square Spectacle
Later, the fans assembled in Times Square, standing in a tight circle near the famous red steps. The chant drew a crowd of onlookers, some clapping along, others simply watching the spectacle. The sound bounced off the neon billboards, creating a brief pocket of European football culture in the middle of Midtown. Police monitored the area but made no arrests.
The fans weren't wearing team jerseys or carrying flags, making it unclear whether they were in town for a specific match or simply traveling together. Their identity beyond “Norwegian supporters” remains unknown, as no official fan group has claimed responsibility.
A Growing Export
The Viking Row chant isn’t new to American streets — it’s been performed by Norwegian expats during watch parties and in bars from Minneapolis to Miami. But this is the first known instance of it taking over a major U.S. transit system. Whether it signals a larger trend or just a spontaneous moment of fun is unclear. What is clear: for a few hours, New York’s subways sounded a lot like Oslo.
