NEW YORK — Supporters of Norway and Algeria turned streets, public squares and fan zones across parts of the United States into scenes of celebration during FIFA World Cup matches this week, as both teams attracted large followings and local support far from their home countries.
Norwegian fans gathered in and around the New York metropolitan area on Monday ahead of Norway’s Group I match against Senegal at the New York/New Jersey World Cup venue. Supporters dressed in the national colors performed the team's signature “Viking Row” chant in public spaces including Times Square and transit hubs, according to media reports and eyewitness accounts.
The celebrations continued after Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 to secure a place in the knockout stage, according to match reports. Players joined supporters in the Viking-themed celebration after the final whistle, a tradition that has become closely associated with the Norwegian national team during the tournament.
“This has become a defining part of our journey,” Norway midfielder Patrick Berg said of the celebration tradition, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, Algeria’s World Cup campaign continued to draw support in the American Midwest and elsewhere. In Lawrence, Kansas, which has served as Algeria’s base camp during the tournament, residents organized watch parties, displayed Algerian flags and decorations, and welcomed supporters ahead of the team's Group J match against Jordan. Reuters reported that local businesses expanded offerings aimed at visiting fans and that Algeria-themed merchandise became increasingly visible across the city.
Algeria rallied from a goal down to defeat Jordan 2-1 in Santa Clara, California, on Monday, keeping its hopes of advancing to the knockout stage alive. The victory prompted celebrations among supporters in Kansas and among Algerian communities elsewhere in the United States, according to local reports.
The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, has brought large numbers of international supporters to host cities and team base camps. Organizers and local officials have implemented transportation and crowd-management measures in several locations to accommodate increased attendance around matches and fan events.
Officials reported no major disruptions linked to the Norwegian and Algerian celebrations on Monday. While isolated incidents involving football supporters have been reported elsewhere during the tournament, details regarding any broader security concerns remained unclear.
As of Tuesday, Norway had already secured progression to the knockout rounds, while Algeria remained in contention ahead of its final group-stage match against Austria. Supporters in both countries and across U.S. host communities were expected to continue gathering for upcoming fixtures, according to tournament schedules and local organizers.
