Norway's 2026 World Cup Squad: Key Players & Predictions

Twenty-eight years will have passed since Norway last graced a men's World Cup when they step onto the pitch for the 2026 tournament. Their last appearance, in 1998, ended in a round-of-16 exit at the hands of Italy. Now, powered by a flawless qualifying campaign—eight wins from eight matches—and spearheaded by Erling Haaland, the Scandinavian side heads to the United States, Canada, and Mexico as a potential dark horse.

Manager Stale Solbakken has harnessed what many consider Norway's most talented generation. The team's aim is a deep knockout-stage run, starting with a tricky Group I that includes France, Senegal, and Iraq. Confidence is high, fueled by a potent attack, a hardworking midfield, and the recent Champions League heroics of Bodo/Glimt's core players.

Goalkeeping and Defense

Veteran Orjan Nyland, 35, is the established number one. After spells in England with Aston Villa, Norwich, Bournemouth, and Reading, he now starts for Sevilla. Watford's Egil Selvik and OB's Viljar Myhra are expected to serve as backups.

In defense, Brentford's Kristoffer Ajer is set to partner Torbjorn Heggem at center-back. Borussia Dortmund's Julian Ryerson and Wolves' David Moller Wolfe are the likely full-backs. Reliable alternatives include Leo Skiri Ostigard, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, and Torbjorn Heggem, all with Serie A experience, alongside Bodo/Glimt's Fredrik Andre Bjorkan and Odin Bjortuft.

Midfield Engine

Norway's midfield combines industry and creativity. Sander Berge provides a solid shield in front of the defense, while Patrick Berg and Kristian Thorstvedt add steel. The creative heartbeat is captain Martin Odegaard. Despite an injury-hit club season with Arsenal, the playmaker remains a talisman for his country, tasked with feeding the forwards. Other likely midfield options include Cremonese's Morten Thorsby, Brann's Felix Horn Myhre, and Rangers' Thelo Aasgaard.

Attacking Firepower

The attack is Norway's undeniable strength. Manchester City's Erling Haaland is the obvious star, eager to make his mark in his first major tournament. Even if he struggles, Solbakken has proven alternatives. Alexander Sorloth has been prolific in Spain for Real Sociedad, Villarreal, and now Atletico Madrid, and is expected to partner Haaland. Jorgen Strand Larsen offers a similar physical option. On the wings, RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa and Manchester City's Oscar Bobb provide youthful flair and dribbling ability.

Star Players and Predicted Lineup

The Odegaard-Haaland connection will be crucial, but Sorloth is equally capable of scoring vital goals. Defender Kristoffer Ajer's organizational skills are key, while Julian Ryerson could have a breakout tournament after a productive season at Dortmund.

Solbakken has experimented with 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formations. He may opt for the latter for greater midfield solidity, potentially deploying Sorloth as a winger—a role he knows from his time under Diego Simeone. Odegaard, if fully fit, is expected to start in midfield alongside Berge and Thorstvedt. The predicted starting XI in a 4-3-3 is: Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Thorstvedt; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.