Norway delivered a commanding qualification campaign, defeating four-time World Cup champion Italy both home and away. Group rivals Israel, Moldova, and Estonia were unable to keep pace with Erling Haaland and his teammates. With a perfect UEFA qualifying record of eight wins from eight matches and a tournament-leading 37 goals scored, Norway sent a clear message about their caliber.
The squad is led by Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. Ødegaard will captain the side and is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world in his position, while Haaland is expected to spearhead the attack. Norway's all-time leading scorer, he has netted a remarkable 55 goals in just 49 international appearances. He won't carry the scoring load alone, however, as Atlético Madrid forward Alexander Sørloth is another reliable finisher. Antonio Nusa, Julian Ryerson, and Oscar Bobb also earned spots in the squad. Among those who missed out was 21-year-old Eivind Helland, who has made only six appearances since joining Bologna in January.
Head coach Ståle Solbakken is eager to begin training and the team's pre-tournament preparations. "I am most looking forward to getting on the plane and getting our daily routines in place over there so that we can perfect the mental, physical and tactical aspects before it all starts," Solbakken said.
Norway is in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Iraq. They open their World Cup campaign on June 16 against Iraq at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Six days later, they face Senegal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. They return to Gilette Stadium on June 26 to close out the group stage against France.
Norway 2026 World Cup Squad:
Goalkeepers: Orjan Haskjold Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford), Sander Tangvik (Hamburger SV)
Defenders: Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer (Brentford), Fredrik Bjorkan (Bodo/Glimt), Henrik Falchener (Viking), Sondre Langas (Derby County), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino) Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), David Moller Wolfe (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Leo Ostigard (Genoa)
Midfielders: Thelonious Aasgaard (Rangers), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt), Sander Berge (Fulham), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodo/Glimt)
Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace)
