Norway

For an entire generation, the great frustration of Norwegian football was simple: the country produced two of the finest players on the planet, and the world never got to see them at a World Cup. That ends in 2026. Norway have qualified for their first World Cup since France 1998 — and they arrive with Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard at the peak of their powers.

The Haaland Factor

Erling Haaland is, by any measure, one of the most lethal goalscorers in the history of the game. His combination of size, pace, and ruthless finishing has rewritten record books at club level. The only thing missing from his career has been a major international tournament. At the 2026 World Cup, the world finally gets to see what Haaland can do on football's biggest stage — and defenders across the tournament will be dreading the draw that pairs them with him.

He is not a one-man team, however. Martin Ødegaard, the elegant, creative captain, provides the guile and craft to unlock defences and feed Haaland the chances he thrives on. Alexander Sørloth offers a second powerful goal threat, and the emergence of young winger Antonio Nusa gives Norway genuine pace and directness in wide areas.

Group I: A Brutal Draw

Qualification was the hard part — but Norway's reward is a daunting group. In Group I they face France, one of the pre-tournament favourites, alongside the powerful, athletic Senegal and a well-organised Iraq side. It is arguably one of the toughest groups in the tournament.

To advance, Norway will likely need to finish ahead of Senegal for second place, or secure one of the best-third-placed berths. With Haaland capable of settling any match in a single moment, Norway will fancy their chances against anyone — but the margin for error is small.

A Nation Dreaming

For Norwegian fans, simply being at the World Cup is a triumph 28 years in the making. But this is not a team content with participation. With a generational striker, a world-class playmaker, and a group of players desperate to make up for lost time, Norway have the firepower to spring a surprise. The Haaland World Cup story starts here — follow every Norway match live on KickD.