For the first time since 1998, Norway national football team are heading to the FIFA World Cup. The team qualified in impressive fashion and will now look to make a strong impact at the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Under head coach Stale Solbakken, Norway have built an exciting squad filled with attacking talent, experienced midfielders, and strong Premier League and European club players.
The biggest name in the squad is clearly Erling Haaland, who will lead the attack for Norway at his first major international tournament. Alongside him, players like Martin Odegaard, Alexander Sorloth, and Antonio Nusa make Norway one of the most exciting teams to watch.
Norway is coming 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/1mOq0sppyw
— Fotballandslaget (@nff_landslag) May 21, 2026
Norway Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
Goalkeepers
|
Player |
Club |
|
Orjan Nyland |
Sevilla |
|
Egil Selvik |
Watford |
|
Sander Tangvik |
Rosenborg |
Norway will rely on the experience of Orjan Nyland in goal. The veteran goalkeeper has played in several top European leagues and brings leadership to the squad.
Defenders
|
Player |
Club |
|
Kristoffer 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 |
Norway’s defense may not be the strongest part of the team, but they still have quality and experience. Players like Kristoffer Ajer, Julian Ryerson, and Leo Ostigard will play important roles at the back.
Midfielders
|
Player |
Club |
|
Martin Odegaard |
Arsenal |
|
Sander Berge |
Fulham |
|
Patrick Berg |
Bodo/Glimt |
|
Fredrik Aursnes |
Benfica |
|
Oscar Bobb |
Fulham |
|
Jens Petter Hauge |
Bodo/Glimt |
|
Morten Thorsby |
Cremonese |
|
Kristian Thorstvedt |
Sassuolo |
|
Andreas Schjelderup |
Benfica |
|
Thelonious Aasgaard |
Rangers |
|
Antonio Nusa |
RB Leipzig |
Norway’s midfield is packed with creativity and energy. Martin Odegaard will captain the side and will be responsible for creating chances in attack. Sander Berge and Patrick Berg are expected to provide balance in midfield.
One of the biggest surprises is the return of Fredrik Aursnes, who came out of international retirement to join the squad.
Forwards
|
Player |
Club |
|
Erling Haaland |
Manchester City |
|
Alexander Sorloth |
Atletico Madrid |
|
Jorgen Strand Larsen |
Crystal Palace |
Norway’s attack is clearly their biggest strength. Erling Haaland enters the tournament with an incredible scoring record for both club and country.
Alexander Sorloth has also been in excellent form in Spain, while Jorgen Strand Larsen adds more physicality and depth to the attack.
Norway’s Key Players at FIFA World Cup 2026
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland will be Norway’s biggest weapon in attack. The Manchester City striker is one of the best goal scorers in world football and will be expected to lead the team deep into the tournament.
Martin Odegaard
The Arsenal captain will control the midfield and create chances for Norway’s dangerous front line. His creativity and leadership will be extremely important.
Alexander Sorloth
After a strong season in Spain, Sorloth arrives at the World Cup full of confidence and could form a dangerous partnership with Haaland.
Norway’s Road to the World Cup
Norway were outstanding during qualification. They finished ahead of Italy in their group and won all 10 matches, securing qualification with a perfect record.
The team showed strong attacking football throughout the campaign and proved they can compete against top sides.
Norway World Cup 2026 Group Teams
Norway have been placed in a difficult group for the tournament.
Norway
France
Senegal
Iraq
France are expected to be the toughest challenge in the group, but Norway’s attacking quality gives them a good chance of reaching the knockout stages.
Predicted Norway Starting XI for World Cup 2026
Formation: 4-3-3
|
Position |
Player |
|
GK |
Orjan Nyland |
|
DEF |
Julian Ryerson |
|
DEF |
Kristoffer Ajer |
|
DEF |
Torbjorn Heggem |
|
DEF |
David Moller Wolfe |
|
MID |
Martin Odegaard |
|
MID |
Sander Berge |
|
MID |
Kristian Thorstvedt |
|
FW |
Alexander Sorloth |
|
FW |
Erling Haaland |
|
FW |
Antonio Nusa |
This lineup gives Norway a strong balance between attack and midfield control.
