Vikings of Solvang, soccer fans row for Norway during World Cup

By Michael Chaldu · Fri Aug 07 2026

Local fans enjoy watching the second-ever World Cup soccer competition played on U.S. soil

By Mike Chaldu

Arguably the biggest sporting event on the planet caught the attention of many Santa Ynez Valley residents during June and July, as the quadrennial World Cup event was held in the United States for the second time in the history of the tournament.

With the attention, the Vikings of Solvang community group and the Danish-themed town gathered (spurred by social media announcements) at Solvang Park on June 11 to show support for Denmark's Scandinavian neighbor Norway before the "Landslaget's" (Norwegian for "National Team") quarterfinal game against England.

More specifically, the Vikings and anyone who arrived lined up and did the Norway "row" cheer that had become popular during the team's game in the U.S.

Vikings of Solvang Chief Kim Jensen led the cheer with a few beats of the Vikings' big drum, with group members in the back dressed in their blue blazers and other participants wearing red (Norway's color) sitting in the front.

Some fans were even wearing Norway's official soccer jersey, which is red with two intersection blue stripes on the front. Among them were Bill and Ingrid Jackson of Santa Ynez.

"We are definitely pulling for Norway today," Ingrid Jackson said. "I went to school there and really enjoyed the country, so I have a affinity for it. It's really great to see Solvang throw support behind them even though their heritage is Danish."

Also attending the event was Edle Liljeblad, a native Norwegian who now lives in Santa Ynez Valley, with her son Kelten.

"This is really great, and I'm glad Norway is getting some attention," Liljeblad said. "Norway and Denmark have what I would call a friendly rivalry; when we play each other it gets intense, but we also support each other."

One reason Solvang is squarely behind Norway is because Denmark did not qualify for the World Cup this year after making it in 2018 (when they made to the round of 16) and 2022.

Norway, on the other hand, qualified this year for the World Cup this year for the first time since 1998. The team became somewhat of a darling to American crowds this year, partly due to the "row" cheer the fans have done at matches, and its surprising run to the quarterfinals, led by top scorer Erling Haaland.

"We were able to see Denmark in the last couple of World Cups and it was disappointing to see them miss out this year," Jensen after the cheer display. "But then Norway ended up making it for the first time in a while, so we kind of have a team to root for."

Vikings of Solvang Vice Chief Al Ferrer added, "We're all Scandinavian, so we're happy to back each other."

The game between Norway and England started shortly after the gathering and Fitzgerald's Tavern, located across the street from the park, had a full house as patrons watched the game on the TVs.

Local eating and drinking established embraced the World Cup as many Santa Ynez Valley locations, like the Solvang Brewing Company, The Sport Bar at Chumash Casino Resort, and California Tacos in Buellton and Solvang, all advertised viewing parties, mainly for the games involving the U.S. and Mexico.

Back at Fitzgerald's, Fernando Carrera of San Diego was in town with family and was watching the game at Fitzgerald's. Carrera said he was rooting for Norway, but added that it was more of a case of rooting against England, who beat Mexico in the previous round.

"I was pulling for Mexico and really wanted them to beat England," Carrera said. "Now I want to see England lose. I do like the Norway team, though, especially Haaland — he's a great player."

Alas, it wasn't to be for Norway that day: England scored in extra time to beat the Norwegians 2-1 and advance to the semifinals, where they lost to Argentina. Spain defeated Argentina in the final, 1-0, to win its second World Cup.