Erling Haaland. Martin Ødegaard. Alexander Sørloth. Norway arrive at their first World Cup since 1998 — a 28-year wait — with arguably the most lethal attacking trio at the entire tournament. They famously beat Brazil twice in the 1990s. In 2026, they want to do it to everyone.
The Nation That Twice Beat Brazil
Norway's World Cup history is built on extraordinary moments. In 1994, they beat Brazil 1–0 in one of that tournament's great upsets — Kjetil Rekdal's winner sending Brazil's golden generation to early elimination fears. Then in 1998, they did it again: beat Brazil 2–1 in a group game that eliminated the Samba Boys early.
Norway qualified for three consecutive World Cups in 1994, 1998, and 2000... wait, 1994, 1998, and then they missed 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022. Twenty-eight years without qualification. Despite producing Erling Haaland — arguably the world's best striker — Norway couldn't qualify. Until now.
Under Ståle Solbakken, Norway combined the world-class quality of Haaland and Martin Ødegaard with a collective system that finally delivered qualification. The wait is over. The nation is electrified.
Key Players for 2026
| Player | Position | Role & Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | Striker | Manchester City's record-breaking striker — the most prolific goal scorer in the Premier League era; unstoppable when fit |
| Martin Ødegaard | Attacking Mid / Captain | Arsenal's club captain — the creative genius who orchestrates Norway's attack with elite vision and passing quality |
| Alexander Sørloth | Striker / Forward | Atletico Madrid's clinical finisher — an elite backup to Haaland with the physicality and technique to play anywhere in attack |
| Antonio Nusa | Winger | Club Brugge / RB Leipzig's explosive young winger — electric pace and 1v1 ability that stretches any defence |
| Sander Berge | Central Mid | Fulham / Burnley — physical, combative, and able to contribute going forward alongside Ødegaard in midfield |
The 2026 Challenge
Group I with France, Senegal, and Iraq gives Norway a realistic path to the knockout rounds. France are the biggest obstacle. Senegal are African champions. Iraq are competitive. Norway must beat Iraq and match Senegal to advance.
The ceiling for this Norway team is genuinely exciting. If Haaland is fit and Ødegaard is in form, Norway can beat any team on any day. Their 2026 World Cup could be as memorable as their giant-killing runs in the 1990s — and they have better players now than they did then.
Follow Norway's 2026 World Cup journey as Haaland and Ødegaard look to write the greatest chapter in Norwegian football history. ⚽
Frequently Asked Questions
Which group is Norway in at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Norway are in Group I with France, Senegal, and Iraq.
What is Norway's best World Cup result?
Norway have reached the World Cup three times. Their most famous result was beating Brazil 2–1 in 1998.
Who is Norway's key player at World Cup 2026?
Erling Haaland is the star — Manchester City's record-breaking striker and the most prolific goal scorer of his generation.
Has Norway ever won the FIFA World Cup?
No — Norway have only appeared at three World Cups and have never advanced past the group stage.