Norway return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since France 1998 — a remarkable 28-year absence finally ended by Ståle Solbakken's squad, who qualified with a campaign that captured the attention of the entire football world. The wait has been worth it. This is arguably the most talented Norwegian generation in history, built around a superstar who has redefined what a centre-forward can be and a captain who pulls the strings from midfield at one of the world's biggest clubs.
Erling Haaland is the story of Norway 2026. The Manchester City striker heads to his first World Cup as arguably the best player in world football — a relentless, physically imposing finisher who has broken goalscoring records in the Premier League and Champions League. Every opponent Norway face will be shaped, to some degree, by the question of how to stop Haaland. And Martin Ødegaard, the Arsenal captain who leads the national side with equal elegance, ensures that service to Haaland will be intelligent, inventive and varied.
Behind those two totemic figures lies a squad that has developed real depth across all positions. Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes provide the midfield platform; Alexander Sørloth and Jørgen Strand Larsen offer serious alternatives up front; and a backline built largely on players in top European leagues ensures Norway are not merely a one-man team, however dominant that one man may be. Norway open their debut 2026 World Cup against Iraq on 16 June 2026.
First match: Norway vs Iraq — 16 June 2026
Full Squad
| Player | Position | Club | Previous World Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ørjan Håskjold Nyland | Goalkeeper | Sevilla | 0 |
| Egil Selvik | Goalkeeper | Watford | 0 |
| Sander Tangvik | Goalkeeper | Hamburger SV | 0 |
| Julian Ryerson | Defender | Borussia Dortmund | 0 |
| Marcus Holmgren Pedersen | Defender | Torino | 0 |
| David Møller Wolfe | Defender | Wolverhampton | 0 |
| Fredrik Bjørkan | Defender | Bodø/Glimt | 0 |
| Kristoffer Ajer | Defender | Brentford | 0 |
| Torbjørn Heggem | Defender | Bologna | 0 |
| Leo Skiri Østigård | Defender | Genoa | 0 |
| Sondre Langås | Defender | Derby County | 0 |
| Henrik Falchener | Defender | Viking | 0 |
| Martin Ødegaard | Midfielder | Arsenal | 0 |
| Sander Berge | Midfielder | Fulham | 0 |
| Fredrik Aursnes | Midfielder | Benfica | 0 |
| Patrick Berg | Midfielder | Bodø/Glimt | 0 |
| Kristian Thorstvedt | Midfielder | Sassuolo | 0 |
| Morten Thorsby | Midfielder | Cremonese | 0 |
| Thelo Aasgaard | Midfielder | Rangers | 0 |
| Erling Haaland | Forward | Manchester City | 0 |
| Alexander Sørloth | Forward | Atletico Madrid | 0 |
| Jørgen Strand Larsen | Forward | Crystal Palace | 0 |
| Antonio Nusa | Forward | RB Leipzig | 0 |
| Oscar Bobb | Forward | Fulham | 0 |
| Andreas Schjelderup | Forward | Benfica | 0 |
| Jens Petter Hauge | Forward | Bodø/Glimt | 0 |
Key Players
Erling Haaland arrives at the 2026 World Cup as arguably the most lethal centre-forward on the planet. The Manchester City striker has spent recent seasons dismantling Premier League and Champions League defences with a combination of terrifying physicality, intelligent movement and finishing precision that borders on the mechanical. His goals-per-game ratio at club level is unprecedented in the modern era, and international football — where space is often at a premium — may actually suit his direct, explosive style. Norway's entire tournament plan begins and ends with making Haaland as dangerous as possible.
Martin Ødegaard is the midfield intelligence that makes Haaland possible. The Arsenal captain has developed into one of Europe's finest playmakers — a player who sees passes before they exist, controls the tempo of games with effortless authority and carries the weight of his nation's expectations with remarkable composure. Ødegaard's relationship with Haaland at international level has been one of the defining partnerships in recent qualifying campaigns, and in 2026 the stakes are the highest they have ever been.
Alexander Sørloth and Jørgen Strand Larsen provide genuine coverage behind Haaland, ensuring Norway have serious alternatives if the main man is isolated or marked out. The wider attacking options — Antonio Nusa at RB Leipzig and Oscar Bobb at Fulham — add pace and unpredictability on the flanks. Norway are not a side built simply to put the ball on Haaland's head; they are a real team capable of hurt on multiple levels.
FAQ
Who manages Norway at the 2026 World Cup?
Ståle Solbakken, who has been Norway's head coach since 2021, leads the team at the 2026 World Cup. He guided Norway through a successful qualifying campaign that ended their 28-year World Cup absence.
When did Norway last play in a World Cup before 2026?
Norway's last World Cup appearance before 2026 was at France 1998 — a 28-year absence from the tournament.
Who are Norway's key players at the 2026 World Cup?
Erling Haaland is the undisputed star — the Manchester City striker is one of the best players in the world. Martin Ødegaard captains the side from midfield, while Alexander Sørloth and Jørgen Strand Larsen provide additional attacking options.
When do Norway play their first game at the 2026 World Cup?
Norway open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Iraq on 16 June 2026.