India, July 7 -- From lucky unwashed jerseys and fixed matchday seats to Viking chants, football fans around the world swear by rituals they believe can influence the beautiful game. Whether their team is winning, losing or fighting to stay alive, these matchday superstitions remain as much a part of the World Cup as the action on the pitch.

Norway's travelling supporters, known as the Viking Army, have turned the Viking Row into one of the tournament's biggest fan spectacles with Erling Haaland leading the charge. Packed shoulder-to-shoulder, supporters mimic rowing an invisible Viking longship in perfect sync. It draws heavily on Scandinavian heritage, representing the idea of an unstoppable force rowing into battle.

Brazilian fans ar...