Wayne Rooney has fulfilled his promise of rowing down the Hudson River after he was left stunned by Norway’s remarkable World Cup run to the quarter-finals.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Big Apple, Rooney heaved his way through one of the world’s most famous waterways alongside fellow BBC pundits and former England team-mates Joe Hart and Micah Richards.
While Hart credited Richards with being a ‘natural’, the same perhaps could not be said of Rooney, who yelled: ‘I think I’ve pulled my thigh.’
Rooney, like many others, underestimated Norway’s chances heading into this summer’s showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Although the likes of Japan had been widely tipped to exceed expectations, it was in fact the Scandinavian side who emerged as the surprise package, spearheaded by prolific goal-scoring machine Erling Haaland.
Rooney’s scepticism remained in the lead-up to Norway’s clash with two-time world champions Brazil. Prior to the last-16 fixture, the former Manchester United striker promised that he would row down Liverpool’s famous River Mersey if Norway were to knock out Brazil, such was his confidence that they would fall short.
Rooney fulfilled his promise of rowing down the Hudson River after claiming he would head out onto the water if Norway managed to beat Brazil – which they did with ease in the end
The pledge was a nod to the Viking Row, the synchronised rowing chant that accompanied the Norwegian football team’s appearances and became one of the viral staples of the 2026 World Cup.
Rooney would come to regret that statement, however, as Haaland fired his side past Neymar Jr and Co and into their first ever World Cup quarter-final.
It was not until the subsequent round against England that Norway’s fairytale run finally came to an end. The quarter-final appearance marked the best finish of the country’s fourth World Cup campaign, following last-16 exits in 1938 and 1998 and a group-stage elimination at USA 1994.
The Manchester City star, whose late brace against Brazil secured the victory, subsequently responded to Rooney’s challenge, saying: ‘Wayney boy, I expect you to go out on a rowing trip.’
The former England striker later told the cameras: ‘I’m a man of my word, but it may have to be the Hudson River when we’re in New York.’
Afterwards, Rooney reflected on the experience, saying: ‘I loved it. The Norway fans were brilliant, so we’ve done it out of respect for them.’
