Norway have officially announced their 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, ending a 28-year wait for a return to the global finals. Ståle Solbakken’s side last appeared at France 1998, and now, led by a glittering cast of European stars, they will take on France, Iraq, and Senegal in Group I.
As expected, Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland and Arsenal’s midfield conductor Martin Ødegaard headline the squad. Haaland, already regarded as one of the most lethal strikers in football history, enters the tournament fresh off another 50-goal club season. Ødegaard, meanwhile, provides the vision, tempo, and final ball that makes Norway tick in the final third.
Goalkeepers
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Ørjan Håskjold Nyland | Sevilla |
| Egil Selvik | Udinese |
| Sander Tangvik | Rosenborg |
Defenders
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer | Brentford |
| Leo Østigård | Napoli |
| Sondre Langås | Viking |
| Torbjørn Heggem | West Bromwich Albion |
| Henrik Falchener | Strømsgodset |
| Marcus Holmgren Pedersen | Sassuolo |
| Julian Ryerson | Borussia Dortmund |
| David Møller Wolfe | AZ Alkmaar |
| Fredrik Bjørkan | Bodø/Glimt |
Midfielders
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Patrick Berg | Bodø/Glimt |
| Fredrik Aursnes | Benfica |
| Sander Berge | Burnley |
| Martin Ødegaard (Captain) | Arsenal |
| Antonio Nusa | RB Leipzig |
| Oscar Bobb | Manchester City |
| Jens Petter Hauge | Bodø/Glimt |
| Kristian Thorstvedt | Sassuolo |
| Morten Thorsby | Genoa |
| Andreas Schjelderup | Nordsjælland |
| Thelonious Aasgaard | Wigan Athletic |
Forwards
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | Manchester City |
| Alexander Sørloth | Atlético Madrid |
| Jørgen Strand Larsen | Celta Vigo |
Joining Haaland up front is Atlético Madrid marksman Alexander Sørloth, whose aerial presence and physical style complement Haaland perfectly. On the wings, Norway boast exceptional depth. Antonio Nusa, the teenage sensation who has lit up the Bundesliga, brings electrifying dribbling and creativity, while Julian Ryerson – versatile, tenacious, and a growing assist threat from full-back or wing – adds tactical flexibility and relentless energy. (Source: fifa.com)
Norges trupp till VM 2026
With this quartet, Norway possess one of the most intimidating attacks in the tournament, capable of troubling even the most organized defenses, including reigning contenders France.
Beyond Ødegaard, Solbakken has selected a balanced midfield featuring the combative Patrick Berg (Bodø/Glimt), the industrious Sander Berge (Burnley), and the deep-lying playmaker Morten Thorsby (Genoa). Defensively, captain Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford) leads a backline that includes Leo Skiri Østigård (Napoli), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Sassuolo), and the experienced Birger Meling (Copenhagen). In goal, former Premier League shot-stopper Ørjan Nyland (Sevilla) is expected to start, backed up by Jacob Karlstrøm (Molde) and Mads Hedenstad Christiansen (Lillestrøm).
The Ones Who Missed Out
Among the toughest omissions are 21-year-old Bologna defender Eivind Helland, widely considered one of the most promising centre-backs in Norwegian football, and Toulouse midfielder Aron Dønnum, who played an integral role in Norway’s successful UEFA qualifying campaign. Their absence underscores the growing depth of Norwegian football, but both remain strong candidates for future major tournaments.
Speaking after the squad announcement, Solbakken emphasized belief and ambition: “We are not here just to make up the numbers. We have waited nearly three decades for this moment, and this group has the quality, character, and courage to compete with anyone. France are favourites, but we believe we can cause problems for every team in our group.”
Group I Outlook
- France – Defending champions and tournament favourites, led by Mbappé and an endless talent pool.
- Iraq – A disciplined, physical side with growing Asian football pedigree.
- Senegal – African powerhouse with elite pace and power, including Sadio Mané and a host of Premier League talent.
Norway’s opening match against Senegal will be critical. A positive result there could set the stage for a historic knockout round appearance.
A Nation’s Hope
For a country that has produced legendary names like Rune Bratseth, Erik Thorstvedt, and Ole Gunnar Solskjær, this World Cup represents the dawn of a new era. With Haaland and Ødegaard at their peak, and a supporting cast brimming with talent, Norway are no longer just happy to be there – they aim to leave a mark on world football’s biggest stage.
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