Norway return to World Cup after 28 years: Haaland leads, aim to go far
Al Jazeera Staff
Norway will play at a World Cup for the first time since 1998, led by superstar Erling Haaland and a strong squad. They face a tough challenge in Group I against France, Senegal, and Iraq. Coach Stale Solbakken's side boasts depth but injury concerns over Martin Odegaard and defensive questions remain.
Norway have not featured at a World Cup since 1998, leaving a generation of fans to endure repeated near-misses and disappointment. This time, however, the team—led by superstar Erling Haaland and several other top talents—dominated qualifying with eight straight wins, including two emphatic victories over Italy.
Not only are they back in the World Cup, but Norway are aiming to go far, even to win the tournament. The official squad was announced Thursday through a video by King Harald V, who said the country had “waited a long time” to return to the global football festival.
Haaland follows his father
The Manchester City striker exploded in qualifying, scoring five goals and providing two assists in an 11-1 win over Moldova. He also netted a hat-trick in a 5-0 win against Israel, becoming the fastest player in history to reach 50 international goals, in just 46 appearances.
At club level, Haaland continued to score prolifically, though not as consistently—he won the Premier League Golden Boot for the second time with 27 goals. The 25-year-old is also the fastest to 100 Premier League goals, achieving the mark in only 111 games.
Haaland has extra personal motivation, as his father played in the 1994 World Cup in the United States. The only concerns are his fitness and freshness after a long, demanding season, and whether the service behind him will be creative enough to break down the tightest defenses.
Odegaard injury worry
Norway’s most creative spark is Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, but the midfielder has endured an injury-hit season. Odegaard suffered at least five different injuries, limiting his game time, and was forced to miss Norway’s March friendlies.
If Odegaard is fit and firing, Haaland will not have to worry much about supply. Odegaard’s morale is certainly high after Arsenal won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years. But if he is absent, Norway lose a vital link between midfield and attack.
Supporting cast
Norway are not just about the Haaland-Odegaard duo. Coach Stale Solbakken said: “We believe we have a strong squad. This is a group that has achieved great results over a long period.”
Winger Antonio Nusa of RB Leipzig, 20, is ready to explode if given the chance to show his pace and skill. Alexander Sorloth of Atletico Madrid is a powerful and effective striker who can partner Haaland or replace him if needed. Jorgen Strand Larsen of Crystal Palace is also a highly-rated goalscorer.
Oscar Bobb of Man City possesses outstanding attacking talent, though his career has been disrupted by injury and he has not yet re-established himself in the Premier League. Solbakken, who took charge in 2020, has built a high-pressing, possession-based style combined with quick counter-attacks. The question is whether Norway’s defense can hold up against the attacks of top sides, having rarely been truly tested recently.
Difficult group
Group I is considered the toughest group in this year’s World Cup, with France and Senegal highly rated, and Iraq an unknown quantity capable of causing surprises. The opening match against Iraq is a must-win before facing Senegal—a side with a solid defense and lightning counter-attacks, fresh from winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The final group match could see Haaland go head-to-head with France’s Kylian Mbappe. If both teams have already qualified, they might rest key players. However, topping the group brings a big advantage in the knockout rounds, and with such a tough group, progression remains uncertain until the last game.
Norway group-stage schedule
Tuesday, June 16: Iraq vs Norway (Foxborough, Mass.), 18:00 ET / 22:00 GMT
Monday, June 22: Norway vs Senegal (East Rutherford, N.J.), 20:00 ET / 00:00 GMT
Friday, June 26: Norway vs France (Foxborough, Mass.), 15:00 ET / 19:00 GMT
Prediction
Al Jazeera predicts Norway will exit in the round of 16. Their weaknesses may be exposed as soon as they face a truly exceptional side.
Norway squad for the 2026 World Cup
Goalkeepers: Orjan Haskjold Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford), Sander Tangvik (Hamburger SV).
Defenders: Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), David Moller Wolfe (Wolverhampton), Fredrik Bjorkan (Bodo/Glimt), Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Leo Skiri Ostigard (Genoa), Sondre Langas (Derby County), Henrik Falchener (Viking).
Midfielders: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Sander Berge (Fulham), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Thelo Aasgaard (Rangers).
Forwards: Erling Haaland (Man City), Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodo/Glimt).
