Countdown to 2026 FIFA World Cup: Norway, Haaland back with a bang

By Enitan Abdultawab

After 28 years, Norway have emerged with a fairytale.

And they are back with a bang, too. Inspired by young and inspiring attackers, Norway’s identity in modern football is totally different from other nations. This time around, however, the nation will be inspired more by freshness rather than identity.

With eight victories out of eight in Group I in European qualifying, Norway was one of just four teams to earn a spot in North America. Europe’s 37-goal top scorers, they earned the joint-highest win of the preliminaries, beating Moldova 11-1, and signed off in style with a 4-1 success against Italy at San Siro.

The Scandinavian nation boasts a proud football history and has produced several talented players over the years. Despite spending decades away from football’s biggest stage, Norway’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the end of a long wait and offers an opportunity to reintroduce themselves to the world.

Norway will head into the 2026 tournament hoping to make a significant impact after missing every World Cup since their appearance in France 1998. Their best performance came in 1998 when they reached the Round of 16 before being eliminated by Italy.

In a group that includes France, Senegal and Iraq, Norway, under Ståle Solbakken who took charge in 2020, will fancy their chances of progressing to the knockout rounds and continuing their impressive resurgence on the international stage.

Players to watch

Erling Haaland (Manchester City, 25)

Erling Haaland remains Norway’s biggest star and one of the most prolific goalscorers in world football. The Manchester City striker has shattered records across Europe and established himself as one of the game’s elite forwards.

The 25-year-old will be making his World Cup debut and will carry the expectations of an entire nation eager to make a statement on football’s grandest stage.

His physical presence, finishing ability and relentless goal-scoring instinct make him Norway’s most dangerous weapon heading into the tournament.

Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal, 27)

Martin Ødegaard is the creative heartbeat of the Norwegian national team. The Arsenal captain has developed into one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders, known for his vision, passing range and leadership qualities.

As Norway’s captain, Ødegaard will play a crucial role in linking midfield and attack while providing the composure needed in high-pressure matches.

His partnership with Haaland could prove decisive in determining how far Norway progress in the competition.

Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig, 21)

Antonio Nusa has emerged as one of Norway’s most exciting young talents, bringing pace, flair and creativity to the national team’s attack. The RB Leipzig winger is known for his explosive dribbling ability, direct style of play and confidence in taking on defenders.

The 21-year-old has continued to impress for both club and country, contributing goals and assists during Norway’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

If Norway are to make a deep run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nusa’s speed, technical quality and unpredictability could make him one of the breakout stars of the tournament.

Fixtures

June 16, 2026: Iraq vs Norway, Gillette Stadium, Massachusetts, USA

June 23, 2026: Norway vs Senegal , MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA

June 26, 2026: Norway vs France, Gillette Stadium, Massachusetts, USA

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