Watch as Norway World Cup fans create 'electric' environment for Viktor Hovland at Travelers Championship

There have been plenty of fanbases to earn a strong reputation so far at the 2026 World Cup, from unique celebration to the massive crowds drawn at the high-profile matches. In the Northeast portion of the United States, the Norwegian fans have proved capable of creating a terrific sports environment.

Norway, which qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, advanced to the Round of 32 thanks in part to its fans traveling between Foxborough and New Jersey in the group stage, including their viral "Viking row," as the team won matches over Iraq and Senegal.

However, with plenty of Norwegian fans in the New England area for the World Cup, some decided to show up as supporters for a different sport: golf. With the 2026 Traveler's Championship being held in Connecticut, Norway fans could be seen cheering on fellow Norwegian Viktor Hovland in the tournament as he held the lead throughout the weekend.

Here's how Norway fans continued their 2026 World Cup adventures by providing Hovland with a home-crowd feel at the Travelers Championship.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ: Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets

Norway fans cheer on Viktor Hovland at Travelers Championship

Through group stage action at the 2026 World Cup, Norway fans have already made their presence felt — through three matches between Gillette Stadium and MetLife Stadium, the fanbase has gone viral with its "Viking row" celebration, moving in unison to mimic rowing a Viking ship.

As it turned out, those fans wouldn't only be rowing to support their soccer team. Over the weekend, with the 2026 Travelers Championship being held not too far from where Norway has been playing its World Cup matches, groups of Norway fans made the trip to support the most prominent Norwegian golfer in the world, Hovland.

Just as they did in World Cup stadiums, Norway fans sat together on the grass at TPC River Highlands in Connecticut and rowed in support of Hovland.

“We’re Vikings,” Hovland said of the celebrations, per the PGA Tour. “It’s kind of in our DNA. It’s kind of funny. That’s the first time I’ve ever seen it. I think that’s the first time we’ve ever done it, especially in the World Cup. It took us 1,000 years to figure it out. Yeah, I think it’s pretty cool.”

How do Norwegians celebrate Viktor Hovland's moving day lead at Travelers? ROW! 🗣️🚣🏻 pic.twitter.com/CFTuIIliIt

Whether it was because of the extra support or not, Hovland was also enjoying one of his best career performances, in contention for his eighth PGA Tour win. Hovland took the solo lead at the tournament on Saturday, with Norwegian flags and shirts easy to be found in the crowd.

After his round on Saturday, Hovland called the support from Norwegian fans "electric."

 "[The] atmosphere was absolutely electric out here today," Hovland said. "It was really cool to see some Norwegian jerseys out there, and it was a blast to play in front of everyone today."

Norway fans have shown up in full force for Viktor Hovland @TravelersChamp 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/z028ASm9dk

MORE: The history behind Norway's "Ro! Ro!" chant, rowing

Where is Viktor Hovland from?

Hovland is from Oslo, Norway. 

He later played college golf at Oklahoma State from 2016-19, then officially turned professional in 2019.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

• Printable World Cup bracket
• Ranking remaining World Cup teams 1-32
• 3 sleepers to watch in World Cup knockouts
• Best teams out of the World Cup knockouts

2026 Travelers Championship leaderboard

Heading into Sunday's final round, Hovland is in the driver's seat at the 2026 Travelers Championship with the Norwegian fans behind him.

Hovland owns a one-stroke lead over Scottie Scheffler, with that duo owning a commanding advantage over the rest of the field.

Here's a look at the top of the leaderboard through three rounds:

Viktor Hovland PGA Tour wins

Hovland has seven previous PGA Tour wins, eyeing his eighth at the 2026 Travelers Championship. While he has yet to win a major, he has finished within the top-five at the PGA Championship, U.S. Open and Open Championship.

Here's a look at Hovland's PGA Tour wins: