Former Everton forward Wayne Rooney made the promise during the BBC's live coverage of Norway's 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the last-32
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney
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Wayne Rooney has promised to row down the River Mersey if Norway beat Brazil on Sunday night to set up a potential quarter-final with England. Erling Haaland scored a late winner as Norway progressed to the last-16 of the 2026 World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in Dallas.
The Manchester City star was on hand to turn the ball home from close-range after good work from Martin Odegaard. Antonio Nusa had earlier put Norway ahead before Amad levelled things up with a moment of magic, followed by Haaland scoring in his 13th straight competitive international to send Norway through.
And as Norway’s players and staff prepared to celebrate by doing the 'Viking Row', the move that has been seen in various cities, stadiums and beyond during the World Cup, BBC presenter Gabby Logan said: “They're preparing to do their iconic row, Wayne has been practicing, he hasn't promised to deliver it tonight but before the end of the tournament.
“If Norway ends up beating Brazil, there is a possibility, if England get through, they'd face England.”
Rooney then promised: “If Norway get to the quarter-finals, I will go in the River Mersey and I'll row down it.”
And Logan replied: “You heard that here first! It's not exactly presenting Match of the Day in your underpants, but I think it's a fairly good thing to commit to. I'm pretty sure we'll hold you to that as well.”
Brazil booked their place in the last-16 with a dramatic comeback victory against Japan on Monday night.
Brazil's players celebrate after Gabriel Martinelli's stoppage-time goal against Japan
Brazil's players celebrate after Gabriel Martinelli's stoppage-time goal against Japan(Image: (David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images))
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Substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored a stoppage-time winner for Carlo Ancelotti’s side after they had fallen behind when Kaishu Sano struck just before the half-hour mark.
But Casemiro made no mistake just before the hour mark, firmly heading past Suzuki at the back post from a Gabriel cross, before Martinelli scored five minutes into stoppage time.
“I think for Norway to keep doing the same thing, they know they're a threat, and they know they can score goals,” Rooney said, looking ahead to Sunday’s game.
“Brazil are a bit more organised than what we have seen in the past. For Norway, keep doing what you're doing and try to create chances and get Haaland opportunities.”
The former Everton man then added: “Erling Haaland and Gabriel have had a good running battle over the last couple of years, and it will be a fascinating game.
“Norway are a very good team, and purely because of that man. Because of his goals, he has proven that he belongs at this World Cup level.
“He is just devastating. He wasn't in the game much, but he came up with the winning goal."