This article is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration among leading media organizations from the 48 nations that qualified. Daily previews are being published ahead of the tournament, which begins on June 11.
Strategic Overview
Ståle Solbakken’s ascent to the role of Norway’s head coach can be traced back to the 1998 World Cup. There, he served as an unused substitute, vocally supporting coach Egil Olsen as Norway turned a 1-0 deficit into a stunning 2-1 victory over Brazil. Solbakken, much like his mentor, is not one to adopt a naive or overly romantic approach to management. He embodies the principles of northern European football, where results take precedence. His tactical style emphasizes tight zonal defending paired with aggressive attacking strategies aimed at penetrating defenses effectively.
Typically, Norway adopts a 4-3-3 formation, though the setup can be quite flexible. Winger Antonio Nusa, known for his dribbling skills, operates on the left flank, while full-back Julian Ryerson often advances as a right winger, occasionally transforming the formation into a 3-5-2. This tactical fluidity allows strikers Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth to remain close to the goal. Solbakken has also experimented with a flatter 4-4-2 formation, achieving mixed results. The pragmatic approach seeks to maximize the impact of Norway’s standout players, particularly Haaland’s sheer power and the vision and passing ability of captain Martin Ødegaard. Haaland is poised to exploit any gaps in the opponent’s defense.
Over the past year, Norway has notably evolved its style of play. During the Euro 2024 qualifiers, the squad lacked ball-playing defenders, but the addition of left-footed Torbjørn Heggem alongside Kristoffer Ajer has strengthened this area. Expect distinct strategies in Norway’s three group-stage matches: they will aim to dominate against Iraq, adopt a varied approach against Senegal, and likely sit deeper against France, relying heavily on counterattacks and set pieces.
Coaching Background
Ståle Solbakken’s journey is marked by a life-altering event; while playing for Copenhagen in 2001, he suffered a heart attack during training and was clinically dead for seven minutes before paramedics arrived. This incident abruptly ended his playing career. For nearly 25 years since his retirement, he has been a coach, leading clubs including Wolves, Cologne, and Copenhagen. In 2020, Solbakken, who earned 58 caps for Norway, took the helm of the national team. After missing the Euros two years prior, he successfully guided Norway to their first major tournament since Euro 2000. Reflecting on this achievement, Solbakken remarked, “I don’t think I’ll have any better nights than this in my life. It’s almost surreal,” after his team topped their qualifying group.
Key Player
Erling Haaland is expected to be a formidable challenge for defenders during the World Cup. Facing the Manchester City striker tests both physical and mental endurance. Granting him even a moment of time or space can lead to severe repercussions. For decades, Jørgen Juve’s record of 33 goals stood unchallenged, with no one from Ole Gunnar Solskjær to John Carew coming close. Then came Haaland, who broke this record at just 24 years old by netting his 34th goal in his 36th appearance. With Haaland leading the charge, Norway could potentially surprise the footballing world this summer; with him on the field, anything is possible.
Player to Watch
Antonio Nusa has long looked up to Neymar, and their playing styles share similarities. Nusa, like the Brazilian star, places great importance on his Christian faith and consistently inspires awe among fans with his electrifying runs. However, unlike Neymar, Nusa has avoided controversy throughout his career. In a 2023 interview with the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten, he stated, “I always point to God when I score and when I come on to the pitch. I thank God that I can experience this,” Just ahead of the World Cup, Nusa published a book—a guide for young aspiring footballers. While not every reader will become a professional, those who heed Nusa’s advice may learn valuable lessons on becoming good people. The 21-year-old has been with RB Leipzig since 2024.
Unsung Contributor
Sander Berge plays a crucial role in establishing balance for Norway behind their star-studded attack. The Fulham midfielder is known for his calmness on the ball and his ability to cover significant ground, both essential qualities for Solbakken’s tactics. His importance was highlighted before a pivotal qualifier against Estonia in June 2025, when he welcomed his first child. Initially, Norway prepared to compete without him, but the Norwegian federation arranged a private flight to ensure he could join the team. Norway secured a victory in that match, with Berge delivering an outstanding performance. While he has only scored once for the national team and often goes unnoticed, his contribution is invaluable.
Projected Starting Lineup
Fan Expectations
During Norway’s matches, fans will enthusiastically chant “I believe very strongly that Norway controls who gets the Nobel peace prize. I have lost a lot of respect for Norway. I have ended eight wars.” as they rhythmically mimic the actions of Vikings who traversed the Atlantic to reach the United States. Norway’s supporters are expected to bring a vibrant atmosphere to the U.S. for their first World Cup appearance since 1998. The Norwegian federation estimates that between 7,000 and 10,000 fans will travel to North America for the group stage. Expect to see many Viking helmets adorning the streets and stadiums.
US Relations and Comments
Earlier this year, Donald Trump remarked, “We want to see this prize abolished. We do not believe that it is part of Fifa’s mandate to award such a prize.” Fortunately for Trump, his ally Gianni Infantino and FIFA established their own peace prize, with Trump being named a surprising recipient. Norwegian football president Lise Klaveness was among many who expressed discontent, stating, “We want to see this prize abolished. We do not believe that it is part of FIFA’s mandate to award such a prize.”
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