Miami Beach has been painted red ahead of one of the biggest games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with thousands of Norway supporters turning the city’s iconic Ocean Drive into a Viking-inspired carnival of songs, chants and celebrations ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against England.The Scandinavian nation has captured the imagination of football fans throughout the tournament, and their traveling supporters have ensured that the excitement extends far beyond the stadium. The now famous ‘Viking Row’ has become the defining celebration of Norway’s amazing World Cup run, with fans sitting in the streets and waving their arms in unison to recreate the image of Viking warriors rowing into battle.The tradition, inspired by Norway’s Norwegian heritage, has become one of the most viral fan moments of the tournament. Tourists and locals alike joined the synchronized celebrations, while Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner also took part in the festivities on Ocean Drive.Supporters also packed bars and restaurants in South Beach, singing songs in honor of star striker Erling Haaland, whose seven goals took Norway into the last eight. A few blocks away, England supporters responded with their own rendition of “Erling Haaland is coming for you.”
Match preview: Haaland vs Kane in a quarter-final full of history
The quarter-final at the Hard Rock Stadium promises to be one of the most important games of the tournament. Norway are making their first World Cup appearance in 28 years and have already ventured into uncharted territory by advancing to the quarter-finals. A win over England would send them into the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history.Much of Norway’s attacking threat revolves around Erling Haaland, who has scored seven goals in four games and enters the contest having found the net in each of his last 14 competitive appearances for his country. However, Ståle Solbakken’s side are far from a one-man team. Martin Ødegaard orchestrates the game from midfield, while Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb provide pace and creativity in wide areas.England, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after beating Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic last-16 clash despite playing with 10 men for a significant part of the match. Harry Kane continues to lead the line superbly, while Jude Bellingham has emerged as one of the protagonists of the tournament. Thomas Tuchel’s side will look to use their tournament experience and depth to contain Haaland while exploiting space in transition.