Wayne Rooney takes to the Hudson River following World Cup pledge
Wayne Rooney proved he’s a man of his word this morning by grabbing a pair of oars and taking to the Hudson River in New York, reports BritPanorama.
The former England captain was joined by fellow BBC pundits Joe Hart and Micah Richards for the aquatic adventure, which came after Norway pulled off a stunning World Cup upset against Brazil.
Rooney’s commitment to row emerged after Norway managed to defeat the five-time world champions 2-1 in the last 16. Delivering on his promise, he confirmed live on air his intention to honour the bet, though he opted for Manhattan instead of the River Mersey.
The bet was initiated during the knockout stages when Rooney boldly predicted Norway’s chances against the South American giants. Erling Haaland ensured Rooney’s compliance, scoring a brilliant late brace that secured Norway’s surprising victory.
Haaland directly called out Rooney, stating, “Wayne, I expect you to go out on a rowing trip.” Norway’s supporters, known for their exuberant ‘Viking row’ celebration, created a sensational atmosphere during the tournament.
Wayne Rooney – A man of his word! pic.twitter.com/cj6inCdS2i
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 18, 2026
Though the Scandinavians were eliminated by England in the quarter-finals, Haaland’s challenge ensured Rooney still had to get his oars wet. Clearly enjoying the experience, Rooney told the BBC, “I loved it. The fans were brilliant. So we’ve done it out of respect for the fans.”
The 40-year-old took a cheeky dig at Haaland, adding, “Enjoy it. We’ve seen a video of you dancing in Marbella, so hope you enjoyed this!” Hart added to the festive mood, joking about racing the Norwegian team, while Rooney quipped he might have injured his thigh during the effort.
The trio will return to dry land alongside Gabby Logan for Sunday’s World Cup final at 20:00 BST on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
In this era of sport where promises are commonplace, Rooney’s jovial execution of his bet serves as a reminder of the fine line between the world of sport and the unexpected antics of its figures.
