2026 World Cup, being held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has left a legacy that transcends the purely sporting aspect. While France has already secured its place in the semifinals and the rest of the world awaits quarterfinals results—Spain vs. Belgium, Norway vs. England, and Argentina vs. Switzerland—the metrics recorded by media outlets, international organizations, and social networks confirm that the celebrations are one of the most memorable tournament chapters.
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As the days have passed, a range of protagonists, images, and anecdotes linked to the most iconic the World Cup celebrations have emerged, demonstrating that culture and popular passion are fundamental pillars of this sporting event.
Norway’s Viking Row: A Viral Phenomenon
The Norwegian national team’s celebration, popularly known as ‘Viking Row,’ mimics the historical rowing motion of the oarsmen who propelled Nordic boats centuries ago. This gesture, led by world-class players like Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, has become one of the tournament’s most beloved images.
The team, coached by Stale Solbakken, delivered a historic performance by eliminating Brazil with a 2-1 victory, qualifying to face England in their first-ever quarter-final.
The ritual is performed in perfect synchronization after each victory: it begins with the sounding of the Viking horn, followed by the players sitting on the ground who, to the beat of a drum, replicate the rowing motion alongside their fans. This choreography is a viral phenomenon that has garnered 172 million views on FIFA’s official platforms.
Its impact has transcended the stands, reaching the Norwegian Parliament and the Army, where members of parliament and military personnel have replicated the movement as a sign of unity and support. The scene is not only replicated in stadiums but has become a symbol of national cohesion for the Nordic country.
Norway didn’t just come to the World Cup to play football—they brought the Viking Row with them!
It’s become one of the tournament’s most iconic celebrations. The passion is so contagious that fans have even been seen doing the Viking Row from their hospital beds.
When… pic.twitter.com/P0g2Z6H6qi
— Maqcoy Reports (@maqcoyreports) June 26, 2026
‘Wonderwall’, England’s sentimental connection
In the British Isles, the iconic song ‘Wonderwall’ by the band Oasis resurfaced three decades after its release as the sentimental anthem of the England national team. The connection arose spontaneously after England’s 4-2 victory against Croatia, when the fans sang the song at the top of their lungs, drowning out the stadium’s sound system.
The tradition continued after defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 32, where players like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham shared moments of communion with the fans. In the case of the Real Madrid midfielder, the fans dedicated The Beatles’ song ‘Hey Jude’ to him after his outstanding performance against Mexico in the round of 16, generating an emotional exchange of applause between the player and the supporters.
These moments of unique communion were also replicated in many of the country’s bars and public spaces that broadcast the matches, uniting fans in a single chant.
Belgium’s dance and its ‘message’ to Donald Trump
Belgium’s qualification for the quarterfinals, after defeating the United States 4-1, was shrouded in intense controversy. The match was marked by the red card shown to US striker Folarin Balogun and the subsequent intervention of US President Donald Trump, who called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review.
FIFA decided to lift the ban on Balogun, who was included in the starting lineup by coach Mauricio Pochettino, a controversial decision that drew criticism from the Belgian Football Association.
After eliminating the host nation, Rudi Garcia’s team, led by Romelu Lukaku, performed a dance mimicking Donald Trump’s rallies to the tune of the Village People’s “YMCA.” The message was explicit on social media, as Belgium’s official account posted on the platform: “Cancel this.”
: Probability of winning the FIFA World Cup
Norway ~ 6%
Morocco ~ 12%
Spain ~ 13.9%
England ~ 14%
France ~ 16%
Argentina ~ 2…. love pic.twitter.com/vXpHNs01Ra
— The Futy Arena | 𝐅𝐀 (@FutyArena) July 8, 2026
Argentina, the epic comeback and ‘the fourth star’
The Argentine national team staged the most epic comeback of the tournament against Egypt. Under the management of Lionel Scaloni, the Albiceleste overturned a 0-2 deficit in just 14 minutes, culminating in a dramatic 3-2 victory in extra time.
The finale produced historic images, such as Lionel Messi’s tears of emotion, which echoed those of his Portuguese counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo, eliminated in the round of 16 by Spain (0-1).
In the locker room, the players sang ‘La cuarta estrella’ (The Fourth Star), the song that replaces ‘Muchachos’ (Boys) for Qatar 2022. This new song has become a staple of the popular lexicon, establishing itself as the new musical hit of the South American nation. The footballers sang amidst jumps and hugs: “I want to see the fourth star shine on the jersey, I’m an ‘argento’ (Argentine) fan of the From cradle to grave.
For the Falklands, for Diego, for Leo’s last goal, Argentina, I want to see you as two-time champions. I’m a fan of the national team, I cheer you on with all my heart, we won the third title with Lionel, we want to be champions again.
The World Cup Quarterfinals are here, and no one is safe!
Will the favorites survive, or will we see another massive World Cup shock?
Which four teams will reach the… pic.twitter.com/WKQAb9Imch
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) July 9, 2026
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