What does it feel like to wait 28 years for something you love? Ask any Norway fan and they will tell you. The long nights. The near misses. The hope that never quite went away. Now the wait is finally over. Norway are heading to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico and they are not going just to make up the numbers.
Their last appearance was back in 1998. A whole generation of fans has grown up without seeing their national team on the biggest stage. That changes this summer. And the team that earned their place did so in style, winning all eight of their qualifying games including beating Italy twice.
Even the country’s King Harald V got involved. He announced the squad himself in a video message. “The hope has lived on – on gravel, on grass and artificial turf … Across long distances, ferries and mountain passes,” he said. That is about as royal a send-off as any football team could ask for.
The Haaland factor
Let us be honest. A big reason the world is paying attention to Norway is Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker is one of the best players on the planet right now. In qualifying he scored five goals and grabbed two assists in an 11-1 win over Moldova alone. He also hit a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Israel. In doing so he became the fastest player in history to reach 50 international goals, scored in just 46 appearances.
His club season was just as impressive. He won the Premier League golden boot again with 27 goals. He also became the fastest player ever to score 100 Premier League goals in just 111 appearances. The 25-year-old is in the form of his life.
There is also a personal side to this tournament for Haaland. His father Alfie played for Norway at the 1994 World Cup held in the United States. This summer Erling gets his chance to write his own chapter in the same country. That kind of story writes itself.
The worry is fitness. It has been a long and tough season. Whether he arrives fresh enough to perform at his very best is a real question. He also needs quality around him to break down the best defences in the world.
FIFA ranking
31
World Cup appearances
3
Qualifying record
W8/8
Last appearance
1998
More than just Haaland
Manager Stale Solbakken put it plainly: “We believe that we have a strong squad. This is a squad that has achieved great results over a long period of time.” He is right. This Norway team has genuine depth.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is the creative force of the team. When he is fit and sharp nobody links midfield and attack better. The problem is that Odegaard has had a really tough season with injuries — at least five separate setbacks that kept him out of games. He even missed Norway’s March friendlies. His fitness is the biggest question mark heading into the tournament.
The good news is that his confidence should be high. Arsenal just won the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years. If Odegaard arrives in form that could make Norway a very different proposition.
Beyond the two big names there is real talent. RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa is just 20 years old and full of pace and flair. Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth is a big powerful striker who can start or come off the bench. Crystal Palace’s Jorgen Strand Larsen is also highly rated. Manchester City’s Oscar Bobb has huge potential too even if injuries have slowed his progress.
Solbakken has built a team that presses high and keeps the ball well. They are also dangerous on the counter — quick transitions that catch teams off guard. The one area of concern is the defence. Norway have rarely been tested by top attacking sides in recent games and that question will be answered at the toughest possible level.
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A tough group awaits
Norway landed in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Iraq. That is about as hard as it gets. France has Kylian Mbappe. Senegal are fast, physical and just won the Africa Cup of Nations. Iraq is no pushover either and could catch an overconfident side off guard.
The opener against Iraq on June 16 is a must-win. Drop points there and the path becomes much harder. Senegal follow on June 22 — a serious test against a team with a solid defence and dangerous pace up front. Then comes France on June 26. If both sides are already through, some players might rest. But if qualification is still in the balance it could be a classic.
The thought of Haaland going up against Mbappe in a group stage decider is the kind of thing that makes football so special. Norway fans will be dreaming of exactly that scenario.
For a nation that has waited nearly three decades for this moment Norway has never looked better placed to make it count. The squad is talented, the manager has a clear plan and the hunger is real. Whatever happens in the group stage keep your eyes on Norway — the story is only just beginning.
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