Norway FIFA World Cup 2026: Norway are back at the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998. Their last appearance ended in the Round of 16, where they lost to Italy national football team.
This time, Norway arrive with one of the strongest squads in their history. Led by Erling Haaland, they qualified in dominant fashion by winning all eight of their matches. Head coach Ståle Solbakken has built a balanced team. Many observers see Norway as one of the potential surprise teams of the tournament.
The squad features several standout players. Martin Ødegaard leads the team as captain. Antonio Nusa adds pace and flair on the wing. Julian Ryerson offers attacking support from full-back.
Norway also benefit from a strong group of players from FK Bodø/Glimt, whose impressive European campaign helped boost confidence across the squad.
They face a difficult group that includes France national football team, Senegal national football team, and Iraq national football team. Even so, Norway have enough talent to compete with any side.
Norway Predicted Lineup for FIFA World Cup 2026 Under Ståle Solbakken
Norway are expected to use a 4-3-3 formation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The system gives them extra control in midfield while allowing their attacking stars to stay high up the pitch.
The predicted lineup features Ørjan Nyland in goal. The back four could consist of Julian Ryerson at right-back. Kristoffer Ajer and Torbjørn Heggem in central defence. David Møller Wolfe at left-back.
In midfield, captain Martin Ødegaard is expected to start alongside Sander Berge and Kristian Thorstvedt.
The front three could feature Alexander Sørloth on the right, Erling Haaland through the middle, and Antonio Nusa on the left.
Predicted Norway XI: Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Møller Wolfe; Ødegaard, Berge, Thorstvedt; Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa.
The biggest threat comes from the front three. Haaland provides the goals, Nusa brings pace and dribbling. Sørloth adds physicality and aerial strength. Behind them, Ødegaard remains the team’s main creative force.
Norway World Cup 2026 Group Stage Fixtures and Key Players Under Ståle Solbakken
Martin Ødegaard is Norway’s key player. The captain is the team’s main attacking leader. He registered seven assists in qualifying despite playing only five matches.
Antonio Nusa is another name to watch. The 21-year-old winger is known for his pace and dribbling ability. He completed 27 successful dribbles during qualifying, one of the highest totals in Europe. He also scored in both wins against Italy.
Julian Ryerson provides energy on the right flank. The Borussia Dortmund defender played every minute of qualification and contributed 18 assists across all competitions during the season.
Norway are coached by Ståle Solbakken. A former midfielder with 58 international caps, he took charge of the national team in 2020. Solbakken prefers an attacking style and believes Norway have enough quality to challenge stronger teams on the front foot.
Norway reached the tournament in dominant fashion. They won all eight qualifying matches, including two victories over Italy. They became only the sixth European nation to complete a qualifying campaign of six or more matches with a perfect record.
Norway’s group-stage fixtures are against Iraq national football team on June 16 in Boston, Senegal national football team on June 23 in New York, and France national football team on June 26 in Boston.
Iraq vs Norway Preview: Key Group I Clash Opens 2026 FIFA World Cup Campaigns
The opening Group I clash between Iraq and Norway is an important match for both sides. With France and Senegal also in the group, early points could be crucial in the race for the knockout rounds. The match will be played at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.
Iraq arrives with confidence after a long and demanding qualification journey. Under coach Graham Arnold, the team has built a reputation for discipline. Their main attacking threat is Aymen Hussein.
Iraq’s road to the World Cup was one of the longest of any nation. They played 21 qualification matches and eventually secured their place through the play-offs. A dramatic victory over the United Arab Emirates kept their hopes alive before a 2-1 win against Bolivia sealed qualification and ended a 40-year wait for a World Cup appearance.
Norway enters the tournament as one of Europe’s most in-form teams. They won all eight of their qualifying matches and finished with a perfect record.
The Norwegian attack is led by Erling Haaland. He scored 16 goals during qualification. Behind him, captain Martin Ødegaard provides control in midfield. Players such as Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sørloth add further attacking quality.
FAQs
Q. When did Norway last play at the FIFA World Cup?
A. Norway’s previous World Cup appearance came in 1998.
Q. Who scored the most goals for Norway during qualification?
A. Erling Haaland scored 16 goals during Norway’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
Q. Which teams are in Norway’s group at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
A. Norway are in a group with France, Senegal, and Iraq.
Q. Who will Norway face in their opening match?
A. Norway will begin their campaign against Iraq on June 16.
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