Norway's Strategy and Stars for the 2026 World Cup

Erling Haaland

Norway probable lineup

This article is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration among leading media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified. Daily previews are being provided by from three countries as the tournament approaches, set to commence on June 11.

Team Strategy

Ståle Solbakken’s path to becoming the national coach of Norway can be traced back to the 1998 World Cup, where he found himself as an unused substitute, actively suggesting tactics to coach Egil Olsen during Norway’s stunning comeback against Brazil. Emulating his mentor, Solbakken is not one to embrace an overly sentimental approach. He embodies the pragmatic mindset of northern European football, prioritizing results above all. His tactical framework emphasizes disciplined zonal defense coupled with an assertive attacking strategy aimed at penetrating opposition lines.

The Norwegian team typically adopts a 4-3-3 formation, albeit with notable flexibility. Winger Antonio Nusa, known for his dribbling skills, maintains width on the left, while full-back Julian Ryerson often advances to play as a right winger, transforming the setup into something resembling a 3-5-2. This arrangement enables strikers Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth to stay close to the goal. Solbakken has also experimented with a flatter 4-4-2 formation with mixed outcomes. His pragmatic approach seeks to leverage the unique talents of key players, particularly Haaland’s physical prowess and captain Martin Ødegaard’s passing and vision. If there’s space behind the opponent’s defense, Haaland is quick to take advantage.

Over the past year, Norway has made significant advancements in their style of play. During the Euro 2024 qualifiers, the team lacked ball-playing defenders, but the inclusion of left-footed Torbjørn Heggem alongside Kristoffer Ajer has bolstered this aspect. The three group-stage matches are expected to showcase varied tactics; Norway will aim to dominate against Iraq, adopt a clever and adaptable approach against Senegal, and likely play defensively against France, relying on counterattacks and set pieces.

Coaching Background

Ståle Solbakken’s career took a dramatic turn in 2001 when he, then a player for Copenhagen, suffered a heart attack and collapsed during practice. He was clinically dead for seven minutes before medical assistance arrived. After waking up in the hospital, he faced the end of his playing career. For most of the past 25 years, he has transitioned into management, leading teams like Wolves, Cologne, and Copenhagen. In 2020, Solbakken took the helm of the national team, and after missing out on the Euros two years prior, he successfully guided Norway to their first major tournament since Euro 2000. Reflecting on this achievement, Solbakken remarked,

“I don’t think I’ll have any better nights than this in my life. It’s almost surreal,”

Key Player

Erling Haaland is expected to be a formidable challenge for opposing defenders during the World Cup. Facing the Manchester City striker demands both physical and mental endurance. If given time or space, he is likely to capitalize on opportunities. For 92 years, Jørgen Juve held the record for the most goals scored for Norway, a daunting 33. Previous stars like Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Tore André Flo, and John Carew fell short of this mark. However, Haaland emerged as a game-changer, surpassing Juve’s record with his 34th goal in just his 36th appearance at the age of 24. With Haaland leading the line, Norway could very well spring surprises on the global stage this summer.

Player to Watch

Antonio Nusa, who has looked up to Neymar throughout his life, shares some intriguing similarities with the Brazilian star. Like Neymar, Nusa places great importance on his Christian faith, and he often evokes excitement in fans with his explosive runs. However, he has managed to avoid any controversies that have surrounded Neymar’s career.

“I always point to God when I score and when I come on to the pitch. I thank God that I can experience this,”

he stated in an interview with the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten in 2023. Just ahead of the World Cup, Nusa released a book aimed at young aspiring footballers, offering guidance not just on achieving professional success but also on becoming good individuals. The 21-year-old has been part of RB Leipzig since 2024.

Unsung Contributor

Sander Berge adds crucial stability to Norway’s midfield behind their talented forwards. The Fulham player brings calmness on the ball and the ability to cover significant ground, both essential qualities for Solbakken’s tactics. His significance was highlighted prior to a pivotal qualifier against Estonia in June 2025, when Berge welcomed his first child. Initially, Norway prepared to play without him, but the federation arranged for a private flight to ensure he could join the team in Tallinn. Norway secured victory in that match, with Berge performing remarkably well. While he has only netted one international goal to date and rarely garners headlines, his contribution to the national team is invaluable.

Projected Starting Lineup

Fan Expectations

During Norway’s matches, fans can be expected to chant “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.” as they rhythmically mimic the rowing of Vikings who journeyed across the Atlantic to America. The Norwegian fanbase is enthusiastic about traveling to the U.S. for their first World Cup appearance since 1998. The national federation estimates that between 7,000 and 10,000 supporters will make the trip for the group stage. Expect to see plenty of Viking helmets both on the streets and in the stadiums.

Comments on U.S. Relations

“We want to see this prize abolished. We do not believe that it is part of Fifa’s mandate to award such a prize.”

was Donald Trump’s remark earlier this year. On a lighter note, Trump received a surprise Nobel peace prize from FIFA, thanks to his friend Gianni Infantino. Norwegian football president Lise Klaveness was among those who criticized the decision, stating,