·
·
Football
Norway returns to the World Cup after 28 years with a strong team supporting Erling Haaland, aiming to advance from a challenging group in North America.
Norway's qualification for the World Cup marks their return to football's premier competition after a 28-year absence, with Erling Haaland expected to be the focal point of their attack. However, the Manchester City striker will have substantial support from a well-rounded squad as they compete in a demanding group in North America.
Haaland's significance to Norway is underscored by his performance in qualifying, where the 25-year-old scored in every match, tallying 16 goals including five against Moldova and three against Israel. Despite his prominence, the team's attacking strategy involves multiple players contributing across the field.
Norway's attacking approach includes utilizing talent on the wings, with manager Stale Solbakken potentially employing an unconventional style. Antonio Nusa, a 21-year-old from RB Leipzig, is expected to start on the left wing. He contributed six goal involvements during qualifying, including goals and assists in victories over Italy.
Andreas Schjelderup, 22, may serve as a secondary option on the left. Having impressed under Jose Mourinho at Benfica with 10 combined goals and assists in 14 league appearances, Schjelderup also scored twice against Real Madrid in the Champions League. Although not guaranteed a starting role, he is regarded as a promising talent.
On the right side, Atletico Madrid's Alexander Sorloth, standing 6'5", often plays wide but moves centrally alongside Haaland during attacks. He contributed eight goal involvements in qualifying. Fulham's Oscar Bobb and former AC Milan player Jens Petter Hauge, who earned his place through strong performances at Bodo/Glimt including Champions League wins over Manchester City and Inter, provide additional options on the right flank.
The midfield features several players with experience in the Premier League and Champions League. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard leads the unit, supported by Fulham's defensive midfielder Sander Berge and Benfica's Fredrik Aursnes, who plays a more advanced role. Aursnes had retired from international football two years ago but reversed his decision in February and is expected to start despite not playing in qualifying.
Additional midfield depth includes Bodo/Glimt captain Patrick Berg and Italy-based players Kristian Thorstvedt and Morten Thorsby. Odegaard, despite some inconsistency at club level, has been a key contributor for Norway, providing seven assists in qualifying despite missing three matches due to injury. His vision and creativity will be vital in connecting with wide players and setting up Haaland.
While Haaland is expected to start every game and play full minutes, Norway has capable alternatives in the striker position. Alexander Sorloth, who scored 20 goals for Atletico Madrid last season, would assume the main striker role if necessary. Solbakken praised Sorloth's physicality, versatility, and work ethic in a recent FIFA interview.
Jorgen Strand Larsen of Crystal Palace is another forward option, likely to see significant playing time regardless of Haaland's availability. Larsen impressed with a brace in a friendly against Sweden and scored in qualifying against Italy.
Norway's attacking system involves Sorloth moving centrally to allow right-back Julian Ryerson to advance aggressively down the flank. Ryerson, a Borussia Dortmund player, recorded 18 Bundesliga assists in the 2025-26 season, many from set pieces. His crossing ability and dead-ball delivery make him a key offensive asset, with Sorloth providing a strong target in the box.
Manager Stale Solbakken emphasized the significance of Norway's World Cup qualification for the nation and supporters, recalling the large turnout of fans after securing their spot. He described the team as capable of competing against stronger opponents on their day but acknowledged the difficulty of their group, which includes France, Senegal, and Iraq.
Solbakken stated, "I think it means a lot for the whole nation, especially the common supporter... They have waited for this moment for so long, and now it's finally here." He tempered expectations by saying Norway are dark horses in terms of potential upsets rather than tournament favorites, highlighting the group's toughness and the need for organization and match-winners to advance.
He added, "For Norway, this is the World Cup to express themselves - to show the world that we play, maybe, a different kind of football than what we have done before, and that we are an offensive team with good individuals that work hard for each other. My dream scenario? I won't talk about it, because my dreams are for myself. But hopefully we can get the best out of the team and on our day, then we can beat anyone."
