Martin Odegaard will captain Norway at this summer’s World Cup after being selected in the country’s 26-man squad for the tournament. The Arsenal midfielder, who recently won the Premier League title, headlines the group alongside Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
Martin Odegaard will captain Norway at this summer’s World Cup after being selected in the country’s 26-man squad for the tournament. The Arsenal midfielder, who recently won the Premier League title, headlines the group alongside Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
Norway presented their squad announcement in an unusual way, with the king of Norway revealing the selected players through a pre-recorded video shared on social media. The announcement attracted attention not only because of the royal involvement but also because of several notable selections within the squad.
Fulham’s Oscar Bobb and Crystal Palace forward Jorgen Strand Larsen were also included as Norway prepares for the tournament in North America. The competition, expanded to 48 teams, will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico between 11 June and 19 July.
The Scandinavian side will begin their World Cup campaign in Boston against Iraq on 16 June before later facing Senegal and France during the group stage.
Hamburg goalkeeper Sander Tangvik received his first senior call-up and is the only uncapped player included in the squad. The 23-year-old secured his place after receiving final approval during the announcement involving the Norwegian monarch.
Tangvik’s inclusion became necessary following an injury suffered by SK Brann goalkeeper Mathias Dyngeland. Norway had also explored another option in goal, but a request to change the international eligibility of former Russia Under-21 goalkeeper Nikita Haikin was not accepted.
Derby County defender Sondre Langas admitted he struggled to believe the squad reveal while watching the video announcement. Speaking to national broadcaster NRK, Langas joked that he did not fully trust the process until the recording had finished and said he “didn’t trust the king for a second.”
Norway now turns their attention toward preparing for the tournament, where they will attempt to navigate a difficult group containing Iraq, Senegal, and France.
