Norway are at the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, and they got here without a moment of drama — which, given the nature of their qualifying campaign, is the most dramatic thing about it. An 8-0 record, 37 goals, a 4-1 win in Milan. Ståle Solbakken's squad has been built around the most physically imposing striker on the planet, but the story of this squad is bigger than Erling Haaland. A golden generation — Ødegaard, Nusa, Schjelderup, Bobb, Aursnes — is finally assembled in one place at the same time. Norway's ceiling at this World Cup is higher than anyone outside the country will admit.
How Norway Got Here — A Perfect Record and a Statement Win in Milan
Norway were drawn in UEFA qualifying Group I alongside Estonia, Israel, Italy and Moldova. What followed was one of the most dominant European qualifying campaigns in recent memory. Solbakken's side won all eight matches, scored 37 goals and conceded a handful — a record that put them top of the group with a maximum 24 points.
The standout result was a 4-1 victory in Milan against Italy, which confirmed Norway as group winners with matches to spare. At home, Norway beat Italy 3-0 in the reverse fixture. Haaland scored 16 of the 37 qualifying goals, including five in a single match against Moldova. Italy, who finished second, were forced into the playoff bracket.
It is Norway's first World Cup since France 1998, when they famously beat Brazil 2-1 in Marseille. The gap of 28 years includes a run of failed campaigns that stretched across six consecutive tournaments. That wait is over, and this squad is the best Norway have assembled to end it.
Key Players to Watch
The Squad: Haaland's Records, Ødegaard's Fitness and a Generation Arriving Together
The goalkeeper position is settled around Ørjan Nyland of Sevilla, the experienced first choice, with Egil Selvik (Watford) and Sander Tangvik (Hamburg SV) providing cover. The defence is well-organised rather than elite: Julian Ryerson at Dortmund and Kristoffer Ajer at Brentford are the spine, with Torbjørn Heggem (Bologna) and Sondre Langås (Derby County) adding depth across the back line.
Midfield is where Norway's real quality beyond Haaland sits. Ødegaard remains the focal point of the creative structure, reading the game from a withdrawn position and threading the passes that unlock Haaland's runs. Around him, Sander Berge provides defensive muscle, Fredrik Aursnes offers energy and reading from Benfica's title-challenging side, and Patrick Berg anchors from Bodø/Glimt.
The wide positions are genuinely exciting. Nusa (RB Leipzig) provides direct threat on the left, Schjelderup (Benfica) offers goals and assists from a hybrid wide-midfield role, and Bobb (Fulham) gives Solbakken a technically refined option in the half-spaces. Jens Petter Hauge and Thelo Aasgaard (Rangers) add experience and club form.
Up front, Haaland leads but is not alone. Alexander Sørloth (Atlético Madrid) and Jørgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace) are two physically imposing alternatives who can hold the line if Haaland is managed carefully through the group stage.
Group I: Iraq, Senegal and France — A Brutal Final Fixture
World Cup History
One to Watch — Erling Haaland
Prediction
Think you know how Norway will do at World Cup 2026?
Pick every match from the group stage to the Final on July 19. Free to play — predictions lock June 11.
World Cup 2026 Bracket Predictor →Collect the WC 2026 Sticker Album
Track your Panini collection, mark duplicates, and find trade partners worldwide.
Open Sticker Album →