World Cup 2026

Norway

Norway's Golden Generation Has Arrived — and They Mean Business

Alive in the Round of 16FIFA #28Group I — France · Senegal · IraqNext match — Sun, Jul 5 vs Brazil

FutAve take

The Story

After a 28-year exile from the World Cup, Norway return with arguably their most dangerous squad in history. Built around Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, this is a team that can hurt anyone on any given day — and Group I gives them every chance to prove it.

How they qualified

Norway navigated their path to the World Cup with a campaign that turned heads across Europe, combining prolific attacking football with genuine structural solidity. The mood inside the camp is one of rare, earned confidence — this is not a squad relieved to be here; it is a squad that believes it belongs on the biggest stage.

Why watch

Forget the long-ball Norway of the past. Ståle Solbakken has built a technical, possession-minded side with elite firepower at every level. Facing Iraq, Senegal, and France in Group I, neutrals get a team capable of breathtaking goals and tactical drama — and a Round of 32 clash with Côte d'Ivoire that could be the tie of the tournament.

Squad spotlight

Players to Know

The Star

Erling Haaland

Manchester City

Erling Haaland is Manchester City's relentless goal machine and the undisputed face of Norway's World Cup revolution.

Why they matter

Haaland is the axis around which Norway's entire attacking identity rotates. His movement, finishing, and sheer physical presence transform ordinary chances into goals and drag defenders out of position to create space for those around him.

Watch for

Track how Haaland exploits the channels when Ødegaard drops deep and Norway transition at pace. His runs in behind — especially against Senegal and France — will be the defining moments of Norway's group stage.

The Glue Guy

Martin Ødegaard

Arsenal

Martin Ødegaard is Norway's captain and Arsenal's creative heartbeat, the player who makes this team tick between the lines.

Why they matter

Where Haaland provides the end product, Ødegaard provides the intelligence. His ability to receive under pressure, play sharp combinations, and dictate tempo ensures Norway never look like a one-man team, even when Haaland dominates the headlines.

Watch for

Watch Ødegaard's positioning in the half-spaces against France and Senegal — his link-up play and late runs into the box are the hidden engine of Norway's most dangerous moves.

The Veteran

Alexander Sørloth

Atlético de Madrid

Alexander Sørloth brings Atlético de Madrid physicality and big-game composure to a Norway attack already overflowing with quality.

Why they matter

Sørloth offers Solbakken a different tactical texture alongside or in place of Haaland — a powerful, combative forward who can lead the line independently or stretch defences when Norway need a different shape in knockout football.

Watch for

In matches where Norway need to hold a lead or absorb pressure, watch how Sørloth's ability to bring the ball down and bring teammates into play gives Norway a valuable Plan B.

The Breakout Candidate

Antonio Nusa

RB Leipzig

Antonio Nusa is RB Leipzig's electric left winger — fast, direct, and one moment of brilliance away from becoming a household name.

Why they matter

Norway's Golden Generation has depth beyond its two superstars, and Nusa embodies that promise. His ability to carry the ball at speed and beat defenders in one-on-one situations gives Norway an unpredictable dimension on the flank that no scouting report can fully neutralise.

Watch for

On the counter — which is when Norway are at their most dangerous — Nusa in space is a nightmare for any full-back. Watch him in transition against France especially: that is when the world could truly discover him.

The X-Factor

Sander Berge

Fulham

Sander Berge is Fulham's commanding defensive midfielder — the unglamorous foundation that allows Norway's stars to express themselves.

Why they matter

Every team with elite attackers needs a player willing to do the ugly, essential work in front of the defence. Berge's range of passing, physical presence, and reading of the game quietly dictate whether Norway's structure holds firm when the big sides come at them.

Watch for

Against France, where Norway will spend significant spells without the ball, watch Berge's positioning and interception work — he is the reason Norway's defensive shape doesn't collapse under pressure.

FutAve layer