Rooney kept his promise: He rowed 'Viking-style' on the Hudson

“Manchester United” and former England national team striker Wayne Rooney fulfilled his promise after losing a bet involving Erling Haaland. He got into a boat on the Hudson River in New York and replicated the “Viking rowing” move made famous by Norwegian fans.

However, it wasn't easy: the former footballer jokingly said he even felt like he pulled a muscle during the process.

How did the bet start?

During the World Cup, Rooney expressed disbelief that Norway would reach the quarter-finals, promising to row on the River Mersey if they did. Erling Haaland remembered the former player's words and demanded he fulfill his promise.

For context: the bet was not just about Norway defeating Brazil, but specifically about the team reaching the quarter-finals.

Norway defeated Brazil 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. Haaland scored both goals, leading his country to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in history.

Hudson chosen instead of Mersey

Rooney initially said he would fulfill his promise on the River Mersey in England. However, since he was in New York for the World Cup final, the challenge was organized on the Hudson River.

He was accompanied by BBC pundits Micah Richards and Joe Hart. While Richards drummed and shouted through a megaphone to create a “Viking” atmosphere, Rooney rowed the boat.

During the process, the former striker joked:

“I think I pulled my hamstring,” he said.

Nevertheless, he completed the challenge and even sent a special video message to Haaland.

How did “Viking rowing” become popular?

The Norwegian fans' “Viking rowing” move became one of the most popular flashmobs of the 2026 World Cup. Participants sit in lines on the ground or in the stands and perform a synchronized rowing motion as if steering a Viking ship.

After Norway's players beat Senegal 3-2 to reach the playoffs, they repeated the move on the pitch with fans. Later, the flashmob even reached Times Square in New York.

Where did Norway's run end?

Norway faced England in a historic quarter-final. In a match that remained tied in regular time, Jude Bellingham scored the winning goal in extra time, giving the English a 2-1 result.

Despite the defeat, the Norwegian team was welcomed as heroes in their homeland. Over 100,000 fans gathered for events in Oslo, and the team performed another mass “Viking rowing” ceremony.

Norway didn't win the trophy, but they managed to get Rooney to hold an oar. That’s football: sometimes bets are settled not on the scoreboard, but in the middle of a river.