Denmark Misses World Cup, Humorously Campaigns to Be Cheer Squad; Sweden and Norway React Differently

2026 World Cup Key News

Central News Agency Report

(Reporter Gu Yong-Zhi, Stockholm, 15th) Denmark, a Nordic football powerhouse, failed to qualify for this year's FIFA World Cup. In response, TV2 host and comedian Martin Johannes Larsen posted a self-deprecating video on social media, declaring Denmark would become the 'best cheer squad in the world' and urging Nordic nations to compete for the support of Denmark's 6 million people. The humorous campaign sparked vastly different reactions from Sweden and Norway, unexpectedly highlighting the complex historical love-hate relationships among Nordic countries.

Denmark, winner of the 1992 UEFA European Championship and historically the highest-ranked Nordic nation in global football rankings, was eliminated after losing to Scotland in the qualifiers and then to the Czech Republic in the playoffs.

Larsen, host of Denmark's TV2 and a comedian, posted a satirical video in multiple languages on social media, announcing that Denmark would hold a national referendum to decide which country to support. He urged neighboring Norway—returning to the World Cup after 28 years—as well as Sweden, France, and Spain, to submit reasons to TV2 explaining why Denmark should cheer for them, effectively launching a 'bidding war' for Danish support.

The video received little attention in Sweden. Most Swedes appeared indifferent to whether Denmark would support them. Swedish public broadcaster SVT only reported on the story a week later. One interviewed citizen said Sweden has real food, real beer, and stronger football, so Denmark should naturally support Sweden.

In contrast, the video sparked a 'heated response' in Norway. Norway's TV2 immediately dispatched renowned comedian Harald Eia, who filmed a response in traditional Norwegian national costume, standing before the Norwegian royal palace and the flags of both nations. He sarcastically noted that support from 'former colonial master Denmark' held deep symbolic meaning for Norway.

Eia mocked that Denmark, which once exploited and ridiculed Norway, never reciprocated Norwegian affection, and referred to Norwegians as 'mountain monkeys,' now humbly asking to stand shoulder-to-shoulder. 'Is this just another of Denmark's many jokes on Norway?' he asked.

Eia added that despite Denmark being thoroughly defeated by Scotland and Belarus, Norway would forgive past grievances, accept Denmark, and invite its brothers and sisters to board Norway's Viking longship, sailing toward America and into the mythical Norse hall of Valhalla.

To understand this football-fueled social media satire, one must revisit the historical relationships among these three Nordic nations. Sweden and Denmark were historic rivals, nearly in a state of 'perpetual war' from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, competing for trade routes and dominance in the Nordic region.

Norway was a subordinate territory of Denmark from 1524 to 1814, then entered a union with Sweden from 1814 to 1905, struggling for independence and identity between two dominant powers.

These historical tensions were vividly reflected in this cheer squad 'bidding war.'

Larsen eventually announced the voting results: Denmark's 6 million people had chosen to support Norway—not only due to shared history and geography but also because 'both countries enjoy defeating Sweden.'

Norway's ambassador to Denmark immediately responded on social media, welcoming Denmark to join Norway's team, promising Norway would do its best not to disappoint.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen also responded with a video, congratulating Norway on qualifying and receiving Danish support. He noted Denmark and Norway share many historical ties, and now Denmark could 'join Norway in the World Cup,' cheering them on. In the video's finale, he performed Norway's 'Viking paddle cheer' and shouted 'Ro! Ro!' (Norwegian for 'Row!') in support.

Meanwhile, Sweden, 'excluded' by both nations, ranked only sixth in online polls conducted by Denmark's TV2 and national broadcaster DR on 'Which country should Danes support?'

(Edited by Chen Hui-Ping) 1150615