Norway's 2026 World Cup Squad — Full Roster
Ståle Solbakken announced Norway's 26-man World Cup squad on May 21, 2026. This is Norway's first World Cup appearance since 1998 — a 28-year absence finally ended, and it ends with arguably the most talented Norwegian generation ever assembled. Haaland, Ødegaard, and a supporting cast of Premier League and Bundesliga players make this a Norway team capable of causing real upsets.
Goalkeepers
- Ørjan Nyland — Club career (experienced no.1)
- Matias Dyngeland
- Sander Tangvik
Defenders
- Julian Ryerson — Borussia Dortmund
- Kristoffer Ajer — Brentford
- Leo Skiri Østigård — Genoa
- David Møller Wolfe — Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Marcus Holmgren Pedersen — Torino
- Torbjørn Heggem — Bologna
- Fredrik Bjørkan — Bodø/Glimt
Midfielders
- Martin Ødegaard — Arsenal (captain)
- Sander Berge
- Kristian Thorstvedt — Sassuolo
- Fredrik Aursnes — Benfica
- Hugo Vetlesen — Club Brugge
Forwards
- Erling Haaland — Manchester City (55 goals in 49 caps — all-time top scorer)
- Alexander Sørloth — Atlético Madrid
- Antonio Nusa — RB Leipzig
Full 26-player squad confirmed May 21 by Ståle Solbakken. Norway return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Key Players to Watch
Erling Haaland — The Phenomenon
There is nothing subtle about how Norway play — they build the entire team around getting the ball to Haaland in dangerous positions and letting him do what he does better than any striker alive. He averages nearly a goal per international game and has had multiple seasons at Manchester City where he scored 30+ goals. At a World Cup, with more space and more direct play than club football, he could be devastating. He is the single most dangerous goal-scorer in this tournament.
Martin Ødegaard — The Conductor
Arsenal's captain is one of the most technically gifted players in the Premier League. He operates between the lines, picks out passes that others don't see, and gives Norway an intelligence and creativity that makes them more than just a direct Haaland-delivery team. When Ødegaard and Haaland are linking well, Norway are capable of beating anyone.
Alexander Sørloth — The Backup Threat
Atlético Madrid's Sørloth gives Norway a second striker option who is also physically imposing and a genuine goal threat. His inclusion means Norway can shift shapes and keep defenders guessing — they don't become one-dimensional even if Haaland is being marked out of the game.
Norway's Group Stage Schedule
Norway is in Group I — a genuinely tough group with France, Senegal, and Iraq. Two of their three matches are near Boston, with the crucial middle match at MetLife:
- June 16, 6pm ET — Iraq vs. Norway, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough MA
- June 22, 8pm ET — Norway vs. Senegal, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford NJ
- June 26, 3pm ET — Norway vs. France, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough MA
The Senegal match at MetLife on June 22 is the pivotal one — both sides will be fighting for a path out of a group that also includes France. Bay Ridge, Brooklyn will be electric before and after kickoff.
Get World Cup Tickets
Find tickets for World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium.
Can Norway Advance from the Group?
Group I is the hardest draw Norway could have gotten — France are genuine World Cup favorites, and Senegal are one of the best teams in Africa. But with Haaland, Norway can beat anyone on a given day. A draw against France or a win over Senegal could be enough to advance as one of the best third-place teams. The first match against Iraq is effectively a must-win to stay alive going into the MetLife fixture.
Hotels in New York City
Book your NYC hotel for the World Cup. Compare prices and locations.
Watching Norway in NYC
Bay Ridge, Brooklyn is the historic heart of New York's Norwegian-American community, and it will be the place to be for every Norway match. The neighborhood has strong Scandinavian roots going back generations — the World Cup brings that identity back to the surface in a big way.