This piece is part of a collaborative effort among leading media outlets in the 48 nations that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup. As the tournament approaches, previews will be shared daily from three countries leading up to the kickoff on June 11.
Game Plan Overview
Ståle Solbakken’s ascent to the role of Norway’s head coach can be traced back to the 1998 World Cup. During this tournament, he sat on the bench as an unused substitute, vocalizing tactical suggestions to coach Egil Olsen, witnessing Norway’s remarkable comeback from a 1-0 deficit to defeat Brazil 2-1. Emulating his mentor, Solbakken embodies a pragmatic approach as a manager, rooted in the northern European football philosophy that prioritizes results. His tactical framework typically emphasizes robust zonal defense paired with aggressive offensive strategies aimed at penetrating opponent lines—this brand of football aims for maximum effectiveness.
Norway often employs a flexible 4-3-3 formation. Winger Antonio Nusa, known for his dribbling flair, consistently stretches the play on the left flank, while right-back Julian Ryerson advances into right-wing positions, transforming the shape into something resembling a 3-5-2. This tactical setup allows forwards Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth to position themselves near the goal. Solbakken has also experimented with a flatter 4-4-2 formation with mixed results. The strategy is grounded in maximizing the potential of standout players, particularly utilizing Haaland’s sheer physicality and the vision and passing skills of captain Martin Ødegaard. Whenever there’s an opportunity to exploit gaps in the opponent’s defense, Haaland is poised to take full advantage.
Norway: Upcoming Group I Matches
June 16 vs Iraq, Boston (6 PM local, 11 PM BST, June 17 8 AM AEST)
June 22 vs Senegal, New York/New Jersey (8 PM local, June 23 1 AM BST, June 23 10 AM AEST)
June 26 vs France, Boston (3 PM local, 8 PM BST, June 27 5 AM AEST)
Norway has notably enhanced their style of play over the past year. During the Euro 2024 qualification, the squad lacked ball-playing defenders, but the addition of left-footed Torbjørn Heggem alongside Kristoffer Ajer has strengthened this area. The three matches in the group stage are expected to present varied challenges. Fans can anticipate a dominating performance against Iraq, a tactical and adaptive approach against Senegal, and a more defensive setup against France, relying on counterattacks and set pieces for scoring opportunities.
Coach Profile
Ståle Solbakken’s life took a dramatic turn back in 2001 when he suffered a heart attack during a training session while playing for Copenhagen. He was clinically dead for seven minutes before the ambulance arrived, marking the end of his playing career. Since that life-altering event, Solbakken has dedicated 24 of the past 25 years to coaching, managing clubs like Wolves, Cologne, and Copenhagen. In 2020, he took charge of Norway’s national team. Following a setback in qualifying for the Euros two years prior, he successfully led Norway to their first major tournament since Euro 2000. Reflecting on the achievement, Solbakken remarked,
“I don’t think I’ll have any better nights than this in my life. It’s almost surreal.”
Star Player Spotlight
Erling Haaland is poised to be a formidable challenge for defenders during this World Cup. Facing the Manchester City striker tests both physical and mental endurance; if given even a moment of space, he is likely to capitalize on it. For a staggering 92 years, Jørgen Juve held the record for the most goals scored for Norway, with a total of 33 goals—an achievement seemingly insurmountable at the time. Not even the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Tore André Flo, or John Carew managed to come close. Then, Haaland emerged, shattering Juve’s record at just 24 years of age, netting his 34th goal in just 36 appearances. Can Norway, powered by Haaland, create a major upset in the football world this summer? With Haaland leading the charge, anything is within reach.
Player to Watch
Antonio Nusa has long admired Neymar, and there are notable parallels between the two. Both share a deep commitment to their Christian faith, and on the pitch, Nusa can elicit gasps from fans with his explosive speed and skill. However, unlike Neymar, Nusa has steered clear of controversy. He expressed,
“I always point to God when I score and when I come on to the pitch. I thank God that I can experience this,”
in a 2023 interview with the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten. Just prior to the World Cup, Nusa published a book aimed at aspiring young footballers—a guide that emphasizes not only the skills needed to succeed but also the importance of being a good person. At only 21, he has been with RB Leipzig since 2024.
The Unsung Hero
Sander Berge plays a crucial role in providing balance for Norway, supporting their talented attacking players. The Fulham midfielder brings calmness on the ball and possesses the ability to cover significant ground—traits that are essential for Solbakken’s tactical setup. His importance was highlighted before a key qualifier against Estonia in June 2025 when Berge welcomed the birth of his first child. Although Norway initially planned to proceed without him, the Norwegian federation arranged a private flight to ensure he made it to Tallinn in time. Norway won that match, and Berge was a standout performer. While he has only one international goal to his name and rarely garners headlines, his contribution to the national team is invaluable.
Expected Starting XI
Fan Expectations at Matches
During Norway’s matches, fans will undoubtedly join in the chant of “Row! Row! Row!” as they rhythmically mimic the rowing motions of the Vikings who once traversed the Atlantic to reach the United States. A vibrant group of Norwegian supporters is set to travel to the US, marking their first World Cup appearance since 1998. The Norwegian federation estimates that between 7,000 and 10,000 fans will attend the group stage matches. Expect to see a plethora of Viking helmets both on the streets and in the stadiums.
US Relations and Trump Remarks
Earlier this year, Donald Trump expressed,
“I believe very strongly that Norway controls who gets the Nobel peace prize. I have lost a lot of respect for Norway. I have ended eight wars.”
Fortunately for Trump, his associate Gianni Infantino and FIFA established a separate peace prize, with Trump being named the unexpected recipient. Lise Klaveness, the Norwegian football president, was among many who voiced their concerns, stating,
“We want to see this prize abolished. We do not believe that it is part of FIFA’s mandate to award such a prize.”
