Every time Norway Wins the World Cup the City of Bergen Vibrates

City of Bergen, Norway, shaking on the night of June 22-23, not because of an earthquake or unknown geological phenomenon. But because the Norwegian team has scored a goal during the 2026 World Cup. This phenomenon was reported by a group of researchers from the University of Bergen, who found that fan festivals produce vibrations in the ground that can be detected even by the most complex scientific instruments such as seismometers.

In general, geologists use seismometers to measure the movements and vibrations of the ground such as seismic waves produced by earthquakes. But at this year’s World Cup, researchers at the University of Bergen said he realized that the seismometers they have in the basement of the school record strange signals in Norwegian sports. They say, the instrument can detect ground vibrations with an accuracy of one millionth of a millimeter.

This work, professors Mathilde Sørensen and Lars Ottemöller reported words accompanying findings, “shows that Bergen is an earthen city with a lot of energy.” He ended the speech with “go to Bergen, I’m going to Norway.”

The University of Bergen team detected the interference during the Norwegian national team’s match against Iraq on June 17, which the team won 4-1. The mark on the game was especially noticeable when the shooter Erling Haaland scored one of his two goals.

A few days later, on the night of June 22-23, when Norway defeated Senegal 3-2, the phenomenon repeated itself: every goal of Norway produced a noticeable vibration in the data collected by the seismometer.

As the researchers explain, when thousands of people cheer, jump, and shout at the same time, they create a lot of energy. strength which can go through the house and into the ground. In a way, collective interest has been scientifically recognized in Bergen during the World Cup this year, and although this is not the first time that sports events – and concerts or other large gatherings – have been recognized, the case of the city of Bergen represents another example of how human activities can be recorded even with tools designed to study the Earth.

This article appeared first THE WIRE Italy and translated from Italian.