This piece is a part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration among top media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified. As the tournament approaches, previews from three nations will be featured daily until the kickoff on June 11.
Strategic Insights
The trajectory of Ståle Solbakken’s ascent to Norway’s managerial position can be traced back to the 1998 World Cup. At that time, he was an unused substitute, energetically offering tactical advice to coach Egil Olsen as Norway rallied from a 1-0 deficit to clinch a 2-1 victory against Brazil. Much like his mentor, Solbakken is neither naive nor overly romantic in his approach. He embodies the Northern European football philosophy, where results reign supreme.
Norway typically employs a 4-3-3 formation, characterized by its adaptability. Winger Antonio Nusa, known for his dribbling prowess, often stretches the play on the left flank, while right-back Julian Ryerson advances into a winger role, morphing the setup into a 3-5-2. This configuration allows strikers Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth to position themselves closer to the goal. Solbakken has also experimented with a flatter 4-4-2 formation with mixed results. The team’s pragmatic approach emphasizes maximizing the influence of their standout players, particularly Haaland’s physicality and Martin Ødegaard’s vision and passing skills. When opportunities arise behind the opponent’s defense, Haaland is quick to seize them.
As the tournament unfolds, Norway’s playing style has evolved significantly over the past year. During the Euro 2024 qualifications, ball-playing defenders were scarce, but with the addition of left-footed Torbjørn Heggem alongside Kristoffer Ajer, this aspect has improved. Each of Norway’s three group stage matches is expected to be distinct. They are likely to dominate against Iraq, adopt a strategic approach against Senegal, and defend deeper against France, relying heavily on counterattacks and set pieces.
Norway: Group I Fixtures
16 June vs. Iraq, Boston (6 PM local, 11 PM BST, 17 June 8 AM AEST)
22 June vs. Senegal, New York/New Jersey (8 PM local, 23 June 1 AM BST, 23 June 10 AM AEST)
26 June vs. France, Boston (3 PM local, 8 PM BST, 27 June 5 AM AEST)
The Coach’s Journey
Ståle Solbakken’s career took a dramatic turn in 2001 when he was a player for Copenhagen and suffered a heart attack during training. He was clinically dead for seven minutes before the ambulance arrived. Awakening in the hospital marked the end of his playing days. Over the last 25 years, he has transitioned into management, overseeing clubs like Wolves, Cologne, and Copenhagen. In 2020, after earning 58 caps for Norway, he assumed control of the national team. Following a failed Euro qualification two years prior, Solbakken successfully led Norway to their first major tournament appearance since Euro 2000. “I don’t believe I’ll experience any night better than this in my life. It feels almost surreal,” he remarked after his team topped their qualifying group.
Star Player Spotlight
Erling Haaland poses a formidable challenge for defenders in this World Cup. Facing the Manchester City striker tests both your physical and mental endurance; granting him time or space often results in punishment. For 92 years, Jørgen Juve held the record for Norway’s all-time top scorer with 33 goals, a tally that seemed insurmountable. However, Haaland shattered that record at just 24 years of age, netting his 34th goal in only 36 appearances. Will a Haaland-led Norway create a significant upset this summer? With Erling Braut Haaland at the helm, anything is conceivable.
Emerging Talent
Antonio Nusa, who has long admired Neymar, shares some traits with the Brazilian superstar. Like Neymar, Nusa places great importance on his Christian faith. On the pitch, the winger captivates audiences with his explosive style of play. Unlike Neymar, however, he has avoided controversies. “I always gesture to God when I score or step onto the field. I am thankful for the opportunity to experience this,” he shared in a 2023 interview with Aftenposten. Just prior to the World Cup, Nusa published a book aimed at young athletes aspiring to reach the professional level. While not every reader will become a pro, they can certainly glean valuable life lessons from Nusa’s insights. At 21, he has been with RB Leipzig since 2024.
Key Contributor
Sander Berge is crucial in providing balance for Norway behind their talented attacking lineup. The Fulham midfielder brings composure and spatial awareness, essential traits for Solbakken’s strategy. His significance was highlighted prior to a vital qualifier against Estonia in June 2025 when he welcomed his first child. Although initially expected to miss the match, the Norwegian federation arranged a private flight to ensure his participation. Norway secured a victory, and Berge was one of the standout performers. Although he has only scored once for the national team and often flies under the radar, his contributions are invaluable.
Fan Engagement
During Norway’s matches, fans will enthusiastically chant “Row! Row! Row!” as they rhythmically mimic the actions of Vikings who once traversed the Atlantic. The Norwegian fanbase is set to be vibrant, with an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 supporters expected to travel to the US for their first World Cup appearance since 1998. Fans may also don Viking helmets as they fill the streets and stands.
Political Context
Earlier this year, Donald Trump controversially remarked, “I believe Norway has control over who receives the Nobel Peace Prize. I’ve lost considerable respect for Norway. I have ended eight wars.” Fortunately for Trump, his acquaintance Gianni Infantino and FIFA have created their own peace prize, with Trump being the unexpected recipient. Lise Klaveness, the president of the Norwegian football federation, expressed her disapproval, stating, “We want to see this prize abolished. We do not think it falls within FIFA’s mandate to award such a prize.”
