Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard headline Norway’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
Norway have named Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard in their 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Scandinavian nation will return to the tournament for the first time since 1998 after an impressive qualifying campaign.
Arsenal captain Odegaard will lead the squad, while Manchester City striker Haaland remains Norway’s biggest attacking threat. Coach Stale Solbakken also handed a surprise call-up to uncapped goalkeeper Sander Tangvik after a dramatic selection process.
Hamburger SV goalkeeper Tangvik was the only uncapped player included in Norway’s squad. The 23-year-old received the nod after injuries and administrative setbacks created uncertainty in the goalkeeping department.
SK Brann keeper Mathias Dyngeland was ruled out through injury during the final stages of selection. Norway also failed in an attempt to complete a nationality switch for former Russia Under-21 goalkeeper Nikita Haikin.
Tangvik joins experienced goalkeepers Orjan Haskjold Nyland and Egil Selvik in the squad. The announcement itself attracted attention after Norway’s King Harald revealed the final squad in a pre-recorded social media video. Defender Sondre Langas admitted he initially thought the announcement was a joke. “I didn’t trust the King for a second,” he told Norwegian broadcaster NRK after learning of his inclusion.
Haaland and Odegaard will carry Norway’s biggest hopes entering the tournament. The pair were instrumental during qualification and arrive after another strong domestic season. Haaland continues to rank among Europe’s most dangerous strikers after another prolific campaign with Manchester City. Odegaard, meanwhile, captained Arsenal to the Premier League title and remains Norway’s creative heartbeat.
Norway also possess significant attacking depth beyond their two superstars. Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth, Crystal Palace forward Jorgen Strand Larsen and RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa all earned selection. Oscar Bobb, Andreas Schjelderup and Jens Petter Hauge further strengthen the forward line. Solbakken appears determined to give Norway multiple attacking options against elite opposition.
Norway’s squad includes several experienced internationals across defence and midfield. Kristoffer Ajer, Leo Skiri Ostigard and Julian Ryerson are expected to form the backbone of the defence. In midfield, Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes bring composure and physicality. Patrick Berg and Kristian Thorstvedt should also play important supporting roles during the tournament.
The inclusion of Thelo Aasgaard added extra creativity to Norway’s midfield options. However, there were notable omissions, including Toulouse winger Aron Donnum and Brann midfielder Felix Horn Myhre. Solbakken’s final selections suggest he prioritised tactical balance and versatility. Norway will likely rely on organisation, quick transitions and attacking efficiency at the World Cup.
Norway were drawn into a difficult Group I alongside France, Senegal and Iraq. Many observers have already labelled it the tournament’s “group of death”. France are expected to lead the group, but Norway believe they can challenge for qualification. Haaland’s goals and Odegaard’s creativity could prove decisive in tight matches.
Norway open their World Cup campaign against Iraq in Boston on 16 June. They then face Senegal before concluding the group stage against France.
The squad announcement underlined Norway’s growing confidence ahead of the competition. The return to the World Cup after 28 years has generated excitement across the country. Much of the attention will remain fixed on Haaland and Odegaard, but Tangvik’s unexpected selection also became a major talking point. Norway now hope their blend of experience and youthful energy can produce a memorable tournament run.
Goalkeepers: Orjan Haskjold Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford), Sander Tangvik (Hamburger SV).
Defenders: Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), David Moller Wolfe (Wolverhampton), Fredrik Bjorkan (Bodo/Glimt), Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Leo Skiri Ostigard (Genoa), Sondre Langas (Derby County), Henrik Falchener (Viking).
Midfielders: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Sander Berge (Fulham), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Thelo Aasgaard (Rangers).
Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodo/Glimt).
