This article is part of a collaborative effort focusing on the 2026 World Cup, highlighting insights from various media organizations across the 48 nations that qualified. In anticipation of the tournament starting on June 11, previews are being published daily.
Strategic Vision
Ståle Solbakken’s path to becoming the head coach of Norway began in 1998 during the World Cup, where he was an unused substitute, passionately offering advice to coach Egil Olsen as Norway staged a comeback from a 1-0 deficit to beat Brazil 2-1. Much like his mentor, Solbakken adopts a pragmatic approach, rooted in the northern European football philosophy that prioritizes results. His coaching style emphasizes tight zonal defense complemented by aggressive offensive tactics aimed at penetrating opposing lines.
Typically, Norway employs a 4-3-3 formation, although they exhibit notable adaptability. Winger Antonio Nusa, known for his dribbling skills, often stays wide on the left, while full-back Julian Ryerson advances as a right winger, transforming the formation into a 3-5-2. This setup allows forwards Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth to stay close to the goal. Solbakken has also experimented with a flatter 4-4-2 formation, achieving mixed results. The team’s pragmatic approach aims to leverage their standout players, particularly Haaland’s explosive strength and captain Martin Ødegaard’s exceptional passing and vision. If there’s an opportunity to exploit space behind enemy lines, Haaland is quick to capitalize.
Norway: Upcoming Group I Matches
June 16 vs. Iraq, Boston (6 PM local, 11 PM BST, June 17 8 AM AEST)
June 22 vs. Senegal, New York/New Jersey (8 PM local, June 23 1 AM BST, June 23 10 AM AEST)
June 26 vs. France, Boston (3 PM local, 8 PM BST, June 27 5 AM AEST)
Norway has significantly evolved its playing style over the past year. During the Euro 2024 qualifiers, the squad lacked ball-playing defenders, but the addition of left-footed Torbjørn Heggem alongside Kristoffer Ajer has bolstered this aspect. Expect each of Norway’s three group matches to present a different challenge: they will likely aim to dominate against Iraq, employ a tactical approach against Senegal, and adopt a more defensive posture against France, relying on counterattacks and set pieces.
The Head Coach
Ståle Solbakken was playing for Copenhagen in 2001 when he experienced a heart attack, collapsing during training. By the time medical help arrived, he had been clinically dead for seven minutes. He regained consciousness in the hospital, but his playing career came to an abrupt end. In the 24 years following his retirement, he has built a career as a manager, leading clubs like Wolves, Cologne, and Copenhagen. In 2020, Solbakken, who earned 58 caps for Norway, was appointed to coach the national team. After missing out on Euro qualification two years prior, he successfully guided Norway to their first major tournament since Euro 2000. “I don’t think I’ll have any better nights than this in my life. It’s almost surreal,” Solbakken remarked after his team topped their qualifying group.
Key Player
Erling Haaland is poised to be a formidable challenge for defenders at the upcoming World Cup. Facing the Manchester City striker tests both physical and mental endurance; providing him with time or space often results in severe consequences. Jørgen Juve held the record for the most goals scored for Norway for 92 years with 33 goals, a benchmark that seemed impossible to surpass. Legends like Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Tore André Flo, and John Carew fell short. However, Haaland emerged and shattered Juve’s record, reaching 34 goals in just 36 appearances by the age of 24. Is it possible that a Haaland-led Norway could surprise the football world this summer? With Erling Braut Haaland on the roster, anything is achievable.
Player to Watch
Antonio Nusa has long looked up to Neymar, and their similarities are evident. Like the Brazilian superstar, Nusa places great importance on his Christian faith, and he has the ability to thrill fans with his pace and skill when he gets on the ball. However, unlike Neymar, Nusa has steered clear of controversy. “I always point to God when I score and when I step onto the pitch. I thank God for allowing me to experience this,” he stated in a 2023 interview with Aftenposten. Just ahead of the World Cup, Nusa published his own book—a guide aimed at children aspiring to become successful footballers. While not every reader will reach professional status, they can certainly learn valuable life lessons from his advice. The 21-year-old has been with RB Leipzig since 2024.
Unsung Contributor
Sander Berge plays a crucial role in maintaining balance for Norway’s talented attack. The Fulham midfielder brings calmness on the ball and the ability to cover ground, both essential traits for Solbakken’s tactics. His significance was highlighted before a key qualifier against Estonia in June 2025, when he welcomed the birth of his first child. Norway initially prepared to face Estonia without him, but the Norwegian federation arranged a private flight to ensure he could join the team. Norway emerged victorious, with Berge delivering an outstanding performance. Although he has netted only one international goal to date and often avoids the spotlight, his contributions to the national team are invaluable.
Projected Starting Lineup
Fan Expectations at Matches
During Norway’s games, fans can be heard chanting “Row! Row! Row!” as they rhythmically imitate the ancient Vikings who once crossed the Atlantic to reach the United States. Norway boasts an enthusiastic supporter base traveling to the U.S. for their first World Cup since 1998. The Norwegian federation estimates that between 7,000 and 10,000 fans will make the trip to North America for the group stage. Expect to see plenty of Viking helmets among the crowds both on the streets and in the stadiums.
US Relations and Trump Commentary
Donald Trump remarked earlier this year, “I strongly believe that Norway has control over who receives the Nobel Peace Prize. I have lost considerable respect for Norway. I have ended eight wars.” Fortunately for Trump, his friend Gianni Infantino and FIFA established their own peace prize, with Trump unexpectedly named as the recipient. Norwegian football president Lise Klaveness was among many who expressed her disapproval, stating, “We want to see this prize abolished. We do not believe that it falls within FIFA’s mandate to award such a prize.”
