Google Easter Egg for Erling Haaland Searches
FIFA World Cup fans searching for Erling Haaland on Google were greeted with a special digital Easter egg on Thursday. Typing the Norwegian striker's name into the search engine triggered a group of Viking rowers moving across the bottom of the browser. The rowers, dressed in red traditional Viking outfits with horned helmets, feature circular Norway flag emojis as faces. An interactive sound effect button produces a thumping drum beat and a "RO!" exclamation.
Viral Celebration Sweeps Stadiums
The Viking row celebration has become a viral phenomenon since the 2026 World Cup began. During Norway's matches, thousands of fans sit down and mimic the movement of Viking oars in unison, chanting "Ro!" The trend has spread beyond soccer, appearing at MLB games in North America and dominating social media. Haaland and other team leaders have led the rows on the pitch after victories as Norway advanced to the quarterfinals.
Norway Prepares for England Clash
Norway's next match is against England in the quarterfinals. Haaland, born in England while his father Alfie played in the Premier League, expressed respect for his opponent. "It's a special game, yeah, definitely. I think for me it's super special, because I play in England and I was born in England, and you also play against teammates and everything," Haaland said on Thursday. "It's a funny game and it's going to be nice." He added that England should be confident and are favorites to win the tournament. "They should be confident of progressing, definitely. It's England," he said, joking that they should "put every single pressure on the English lads."
