Norway announced its 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on May 22 in a rare pre-recorded video message by King Harald V [1, 2]. Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard will captain the team, with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland included as a key attacker [1, 2]. The squad also features players from a range of European clubs including Fulham’s Oscar Bobb, Crystal Palace’s Jorgen Strand Larsen, RB Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa, Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth, and Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson [1, 2].
Hamburger SV goalkeeper Sander Tangvik is the only uncapped player in the squad, selected following an injury to Mathias Dyngeland and the denial of a nationality switch request for Nikita Haikin [1, 2].
Norway qualified for the tournament by winning all eight qualifying matches, including a notable victory over four-time World Cup champions Italy [2]. Coach Stale Solbakken praised the squad’s consistency, saying, "We believe that we have a strong squad. This is a squad that has achieved great results over a long period of time" [2].
King Harald V referenced the team’s long journey in his announcement: "The hope has lived on—on gravel, on grass and artificial turf... Across long distances, ferries and mountain passes" [2]. Derby County defender Sondre Langas remarked on the unusual announcement, saying, "I didn't trust it [the squad] until the video was finished. I didn't trust the King for a second" [1].
Norway will start its World Cup campaign on June 16, 2026, facing Iraq in Boston as part of Group I, alongside France and Senegal [1, 2]. The tournament itself will run from June 11 to July 19 across venues in the US, Canada, and Mexico [1]. Ahead of the tournament, Norway plans warm-up friendlies against Sweden and Morocco in early June [2].
