North America is currently buzzing with World Cup excitement, as fans have emerged as the unexpected stars of this year’s event.
According to FIFA, over a million fans turned out for the first 16 matches, contributing to the tournament’s many viral moments.
Among the most popular fan traditions is Norway’s “Viking Row” celebration, which gained even more prominence when the players themselves participated following their win over Senegal.
This celebration features supporters donned in iconic Viking horns and Norway’s vibrant red jerseys, as they sit together and mimic a rowing movement to the rhythm of a drum, chanting “ro” in unison.
The enthusiasm for this ritual isn’t limited to stadiums; Norwegians have brought it to Times Square and New York City subways, and even to their national parliament.
Ole Frøystad, who says he created the tradition, told CNN: “It goes way back. A thousand years ago, the Vikings rowed. They took in their sails, [and] oars out to get to shore. And they did that right before battle.”
“It’s about rowing for the team, making sure they feel good on the pitch.”
England’s ‘Wonderwall’ moment
Thousands of English fans belted out Oasis’ Wonderwall after their side’s 4–2 win over Croatia, as players soaked in the moment and joined in the singing.
Captain Harry Kane said it was a highlight of his career, while Oasis’s Noel Gallagher backed calls for the song to become England’s unofficial World Cup anthem.
“That was one of my favourite ever moments in an England shirt and especially at a major tournament,” Kane told England’s in-house show the Lions’ Den.
“I know it’s just the first game and we’re not getting carried away, but that emotional connection with the fans, we know how much it means to them.
“I think they see how much it means to us. We have that connection right now, but that moment, singing ‘Wonderwall’ in the stadium, everyone knew the words, was really special.”
Aussie invasion in the Pacific Northwest
A sea of green and gold engulfed the streets of Vancouver and Seattle for Australia’s opening matches against Türkiye and the USA.
Hundreds of Socceroos fans swamped Granville Street in the centre of Vancouver ahead of their march to nearby BC Place stadium.
The Dublin Calling pub reached capacity and ran out of beer, according to one supporter who spoke to SBS. Outside, fans in green-and-gold jerseys waved inflatable kangaroos, lit flares and chanted “Aussie”.
There was also a strong turnout in Seattle, where more than 10,000 Australians were expected for the Socceroos’ second group match against the USA.
Outside Seattle Stadium, one fan was hoisted above the crowd on a makeshift surfboard while performing a shoey — the Australian tradition of drinking a beer from a shoe.
Expect similar scenes this Friday (AEST), when Australia take on Paraguay in Santa Clara, near San Francisco, in their final group match.
African fans bring the vibes
With 10 African teams featuring at the tournament, the continent’s passionate football fans have added colour and energy across North America.
In Vancouver, Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah celebrated with fans on the streets after he sealed the Pharaohs’ first-ever World Cup win over New Zealand.
A large group of Ghanaian supporters spent an entire match dancing, chanting and cheering every touch in their side’s 1–0 victory over Panama in Toronto.
“We’re happy because we do see that a lot of people are excited when Ghana are at the World Cup, because of that vibe that we bring,” Ghanian player Brandon Thomas-Asante said.
Scotland’s ‘Tartan Army’ drink Boston dry
With Scotland returning to football’s biggest stage for the first time in 28 years, its fans have been among the loudest of the tournament.
Bars in Boston, where the Scots played their first two games, reported being close to running out of beer.
With a do-or-die clash against Brazil in Miami on Thursday, captain Andy Robertson said his side would do everything in their power to give their travelling Tartan Army more reason to celebrate.
“Our fans are the best in the world. Everywhere they go, people fall in love with them,” he said.
“I think you’ve seen how much the whole city of Boston fell in love with the Tartan Army, and I think they’re gutted now that they’ve left.”
Merlin the duck meets the president
Meanwhile in Mexico, a pet duck in a miniature Mexico shirt known as Merlin has become a viral sensation and an unofficial World Cup mascot.
Merlin even met Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, waddling onto stage at the start of her regular morning press conference.
“We feel very honoured to be here with the president, it is an honour for us to stand before you and for the whole world to see the beautiful side of Mexico,” Merlin’s owner Karla Gomez said.
Merlin’s fame was sparked during street celebrations after the co-hosts beat South Africa 2–0 in their opening match on 11 June, when the duck was seen wandering among crowds on Mexico City’s bustling Reforma Avenue.
— With additional reporting by the Reuters news agency.
You can watch all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live, free and exclusive on SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.