Francesca Rudkin: Haaland and Norway could teach the sports world a thing or two

Author: Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2026, 10:16am

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This video is the sound of the Norwegian football team and its fans doing the Viking row to celebrate Norway’s win over Brazil at the FIFA World Cup.

The synchronized rowing chant that accompanies the Norwegian football team's appearances is the viral phenomenon of the 2026 World Cup - who saw that coming? - and Norway’s star striker Erling Haaland has become the darling of the Cup thanks to his unstoppable scoring pace and refreshingly goofy, unscripted personality.

On the field he has already scored seven goals, just one behind Lionel Messi, and his performances have been instrumental in getting Norway to their first World Cup quarterfinal - which is being played against England in Miami right now.

Haaland is turning out to be just as valuable to football and the FIFA World Cup as he is for his country.

Every FIFA World Cup needs players who capture the imagination, and Erling Haaland has become one of the defining figures of the tournament. His goals and physical presence make him one of football's biggest stars, but it’s his personality which truly sets him apart.

In an era where many athletes deliver carefully rehearsed answers, Haaland comes across as refreshingly genuine. He jokes, admits frustration when things go wrong and celebrates with unfiltered enthusiasm. Rather than predictable clichés, he allows fans to see the person behind the player. This authenticity creates a stronger connection with audiences than polished media training ever could.

For any World Cup, this matters. A tournament is built as much on memorable personalities as unforgettable matches. Fans don't just remember goals; they remember the players who made them feel something. Haaland has the ability to attract casual viewers like me, inspire young fans, and gives us all a reason to get behind Norway.

Yes - I am so sorry to all the England fans out there - I’m right behind the Norwegians this morning!

I’ve also been drawn in by the way the Norwegian team embraced their Viking heritage from the beginning. It was a Newstalk ZB listener who pointed out to me their Viking themed World Cup team photo. I loved it. Add a new, fan-created version of the tradition Viking row, and how could this team not delight and fascinate audiences around the world?

As sport becomes more and more driven by social media and personal storytelling, honest communicators are more valuable than ever.

In New Zealand, we’ve seen this with the Black Ferns, who are great at what they do, and just as importantly - allow their personalities to shine on and off the field. They entertain the converted, and constantly draw new fans to women’s rugby simply by being themselves.

Haaland does this too. His extraordinary talent will always command attention, but it is his authenticity which makes him stand out. For a World Cup seeking unforgettable moments and new heroes, he offers both.

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