Wayne Rooney experienced a physical setback while fulfilling a World Cup wager, pulling his thigh while rowing on the Hudson River. The incident occurred as Rooney, alongside fellow BBC pundits and former England teammates Joe Hart and Micah Richards, completed a rowing challenge.
Rooney had pledged to row down a significant river if Norway managed to defeat Brazil in the World Cup's round of 16. Norway, spearheaded by Erling Haaland, achieved this upset, progressing to their first-ever World Cup quarter-final. Rooney’s skepticism about Norway's prospects had been significant prior to the tournament, making his eventual promise and subsequent injury a direct consequence of his underestimation.
The "Viking Row" became a viral phenomenon associated with the Norwegian team's unexpected journey in the tournament. Following Norway's victory over Brazil, Haaland directly acknowledged Rooney's pledge, stating, "Wayney boy, I expect you to go out on a rowing trip." Rooney, acknowledging the challenge, indicated it might need to take place on the Hudson River during their time in New York.
After completing the row, Rooney expressed his enjoyment of the experience and stated it was done "out of respect" for the Norwegian fans. Norway's surprising World Cup run ultimately ended in the quarter-finals against England. This marked the best performance for Norway in their World Cup history, surpassing previous last-16 and group-stage exits.