Norway World Cup 2026 Squad, Roster, Standings, Fixtures, and Kits
Norway arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998 — ending a 28-year absence with arguably the most talented squad in their entire history. Ståle Solbakken’s side qualified by topping UEFA Group I ahead of Italy, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova, booking their place in North America with a composed and consistent campaign that reflected the quality now available to Norwegian football.
The reason the anticipation around this squad is so extraordinary comes down to two players: Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. Haaland — 55 goals in 49 international appearances — is the most prolific striker on the planet. Ødegaard, Arsenal’s captain and one of the finest midfielders in world football, pulls the strings behind him. Drawn into Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Iraq, Norway have a genuine path to the knockout rounds and potentially much further.
Norway — FIFA World Cup 2026
Group I · Manager: Ståle Solbakken · Return after 28 years
Contents
Norway World Cup 2026 Squad
Ståle Solbakken named his 26-man World Cup squad in May 2026, built around the core group that delivered UEFA qualifying success. The squad is a blend of Haaland and Ødegaard leading an increasingly European-based generation — with players from the Premier League, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, and La Liga. Bodø/Glimt supply three players, reflecting the Norwegian club’s rise as a European force. Martin Ødegaard wears the captain’s armband.
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Key Players to Watch
Norway’s World Cup ambition rests on these six players. Haaland and Ødegaard are the headline acts, but the supporting cast around them is stronger than at any point in Norwegian football history.
The most feared striker on the planet. Haaland has redefined what a centre-forward can be in the modern game — 55 goals in 49 international appearances is an unimaginable ratio for any player at any level. He arrives at his first World Cup at 25, in peak physical condition, with Manchester City’s Premier League and Champions League titles behind him. Every team at this tournament has a Haaland problem.
Captain and the orchestrator of everything Norway do. Ødegaard is one of the most technically complete midfielders in world football — his vision, passing range, and ability to find pockets of space between the lines have driven Arsenal to consistent Premier League title challenges. He and Haaland together represent one of the most dangerous combinations in the entire tournament.
The most exciting young talent in the squad. Nusa brings electric pace and directness from the right wing that gives Norway an entirely different attacking dimension. At RB Leipzig he has been one of the Bundesliga’s standout performers and arrives at this World Cup as one of the most anticipated breakout stars of the whole tournament.
The physical and defensive anchor of Norway’s midfield. Berge provides the defensive coverage and ball-winning intensity that protects the back four and allows Ødegaard to operate freely in more advanced areas. His range of passing and aerial dominance make him one of the most complete defensive midfielders in the Premier League.
The powerful backup to Haaland who brings a completely different set of qualities. Sørloth’s physicality, aerial threat, and hold-up play give Norway a different attacking option when opponents key in on Haaland. His form at Atlético Madrid — one of the most demanding clubs in Europe — has cemented his place as one of the continent’s most reliable strikers.
A technically gifted wide midfielder with excellent close control and the ability to carry the ball past defenders. Bobb gives Norway a creative option on either side and has impressed at Fulham in the Premier League. His partnership with Nusa provides Norway two wide threats that will trouble the best defences in the world.
Tactics and Formation Under Ståle Solbakken
Solbakken has built Norway around a 4-3-3 that is, in reality, a 4-2-3-1 with Ødegaard as the free number ten. Sander Berge and Patrick Berg provide the defensive midfield platform that allows Ødegaard to operate in advanced areas and link with Haaland. The wide players — Nusa on the right, Bobb or Hauge on the left — provide the width and directness that creates space for Haaland to exploit centrally.
Defensively, Norway have improved significantly under Solbakken, using a well-organised mid-block that channels teams away from dangerous central areas. The pressing from Haaland and the wide forwards disrupts opposition build-up and creates the turnovers that fuel Norway’s devastating counter-attacks. Against top teams like France, Norway will likely concede possession but look to hurt them on the break with Haaland’s pace in behind.
| Formation | Style | Key Shape | Primary Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-3-3 | Vertical & direct | Ødegaard free 10 · Haaland central | Devastating counter-attack |
| 4-2-3-1 | Compact mid-block | Berge · Berg double pivot | Hard to break down defensively |
| 4-4-2 | Direct vs weaker teams | Haaland · Sørloth dual threat | Aerial dominance, physicality |
Group I Fixtures — Norway at WC 2026
Norway open against Iraq — the most winnable match in the group and a chance to get off to a flying start. The Senegal fixture is the crucial game for second place, with both teams capable of progressing. France is the toughest challenge but also Norway’s biggest opportunity to announce themselves on the world stage. A victory over Les Bleus would be one of the tournament’s great upsets and would confirm Norway as genuine contenders.
| Date | Match | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 16, 2026 | Iraq vs Norway | Gillette Stadium | Boston (Foxborough), MA |
| Jun 22, 2026 | Norway vs Senegal | MetLife Stadium | New York / New Jersey |
| Jun 26, 2026 | Norway vs France | Gillette Stadium | Boston (Foxborough), MA |
Group I — FIFA World Cup 2026
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇫🇷 France | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 🇸🇳 Senegal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 🇮🇶 Iraq | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Group I is tough but entirely navigable for a team with Haaland and Ødegaard. France are the favourites to top the group, but Senegal and Norway are evenly matched for second place. Iraq are the weakest side and Norway must take maximum points from that fixture. If Norway beat Iraq, draw or beat Senegal, and give France a game, they should progress to the round of 32 with room to spare.
UEFA World Cup Qualifying
Norway qualified for the 2026 World Cup by topping UEFA Group I, finishing ahead of Italy, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova. They were the clear group winners, qualifying directly for the tournament finals in North America. Italy finished second and entered the playoffs. Norway’s qualifying campaign was defined by consistent performances built around their European-based stars, with Haaland and Ødegaard both contributing goals and assists throughout.
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇴 Norway | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 22 | 7 | 19 |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 14 | 9 | 14 |
| 🇮🇱 Israel | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 11 | 13 | 10 |
| 🇪🇪 Estonia | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 17 | 5 |
| 🇲🇩 Moldova | 8 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 18 | 2 |
Norway 2026 World Cup Kits
Norway’s 2026 World Cup kits are built around the national colours of red, white, and blue that have defined the team throughout their history. The home kit is the iconic Norwegian red — the same red Haaland will wear when he attempts to become the first Norwegian player to score at a World Cup since Ole Gunnar Solskjær in 1998. The away kit brings a clean white design with red and blue details. These kits will be worn at Norway’s first World Cup in 28 years — a moment the entire nation has been building toward since Haaland and Ødegaard first emerged as world-class talents.
Norway at the World Cup
Norway have a modest World Cup history but a deeply proud football culture. Their previous tournament appearances have all come in the group stage, with their 1998 campaign — the last before this 2026 tournament — standing as their best performance.
| Year | Stage | Notable Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1938 | Round of 16 | Lost to Italy (eventual champions) 2-1 after extra time |
| 1994 | Group stage | Drew with Republic of Ireland, beat Mexico — exited on goal difference |
| 1998 | Round of 16 | Beat Brazil 2-1 in group stage — best ever WC result; lost to Italy in R16 |
| 2026 | TBD | Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq — return after 28-year absence |
Norway’s 1998 World Cup remains the high-water mark — beating Brazil 2-1 in the group stage with a goal from Tore André Flo and a Dan Eggen header remains one of the greatest results in their history. That squad had Solskjær and Tore André Flo. This 2026 squad has Haaland and Ødegaard — objectively better players than anything Norway have ever produced. The expectation is not simply to match 1998, but to go considerably further.
Frequently Asked Questions
More World Cup 2026 Team Guides
Norway share the 2026 tournament with 47 other nations. Explore complete squad guides, fixtures, and player breakdowns from across the competition below.
