Head coach Ståle Solbakken announced Norway’s 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after the team produced a brilliant qualification campaign. Norway secured their return to the World Cup for the first time since the 1998 tournament in France and now arrive in North America as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking teams.

The Scandinavian side impressed throughout qualification with aggressive football, quick attacking play, and a strong midfield setup. Solbakken, who was part of Norway’s squad during the 1998 World Cup as a player, has transformed the national team by building around young attacking stars and technically skilled midfielders.

Haaland Leads Norway’s Powerful Attack

Erling Haaland enters the tournament as Norway’s biggest star after dominating the qualification stage. The Manchester City striker scored 16 goals in only eight qualifying matches and now stands among the favourites to win the Golden Boot at the World Cup.

Captain Martin Ødegaard will remain the key creative force in midfield. The Arsenal playmaker is expected to control the tempo and create chances in attack.

Alexander Sørloth will also play an important role in Norway’s frontline. The Atletico Madrid striker formed a dangerous partnership with Haaland during qualification and added another dimension to Norway’s attack.

Norway Dominated Qualification Campaign

Norway entered the World Cup after one of the strongest qualification campaigns in Europe. Solbakken’s side won all eight matches in UEFA Group I and scored 37 goals during the campaign.

The team also recorded a massive 11-1 victory against Moldova, showing their attacking strength.

However, Norway made their biggest statement against Italy national football team. They defeated Italy 3-0 in Oslo before securing a stunning 4-1 victory at San Siro, confirming their qualification for the tournament in North America.

Young Players Earn Surprise Call-Ups

Norway’s squad combines experienced international players with several rising talents. Rangers midfielder Thelo Aasgaard and Viking defender Henrik Falchener earned surprise selections after impressive performances in domestic and European competitions.

Meanwhile, experienced midfielder Aron Dønnum and Bologna defender Eivind Helland missed out on the final squad.

Norway’s FIFA World Cup History

Norway have never won the FIFA World Cup and have never reached the final of the tournament.

The 2026 edition will mark only Norway’s fourth appearance at the World Cup. The team previously qualified in 1938, 1994, and 1998.

Norway’s best performances came in 1938 and 1998 when they reached the Round of 16. Their 1998 campaign remains memorable because of a famous 2-1 victory over Brazil during the group stage before Italy knocked them out in the knockout rounds.

Norway FIFA World Cup 2026 Squad

Goalkeepers: Ørjan Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford), Sander Tangvik (Hamburger SV) Defenders: Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford), Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), Leo Østigård (Genoa), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), David Møller Wolfe (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Fredrik André Bjørkan (Bodø/Glimt), Torbjørn Heggem (Bologna), Sondre Langås (Derby County), Henrik Falchener (Viking) Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal), Sander Berge (Fulham), Patrick Berg (Bodø/Glimt), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodø/Glimt), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Thelo Aasgaard (Rangers) Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Alexander Sørloth (Atletico Madrid), Jørgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace)

Norway FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Fixtures

• June 16, 2026 — Norway vs Iraq at Gillette Stadium, Boston
• June 22, 2026 — Norway vs Senegal at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
• June 26, 2026 — France vs Norway at Gillette Stadium, Boston