Norway have officially announced their squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard leading the nation’s long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage after a 28-year absence.
The 26-man squad was revealed in a unique video message narrated by King Harald V on Thursday, as excitement continues to build ahead of Norway’s first World Cup appearance since France 1998.
Manchester City superstar Haaland and Arsenal captain Odegaard headline a talented Norwegian side packed with top European talent. Odegaard will captain the squad as Norway prepare for a difficult Group I campaign against France, Senegal and Iraq.
Other notable names included in Stale Solbakken’s squad are RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth, Borussia Dortmund defender Julian Ryerson, Crystal Palace forward Jorgen Strand Larsen and Fulham midfielder Oscar Bobb.
Norway arrive at the World Cup in outstanding form after winning all eight of their qualifying matches, including impressive performances against four-time world champions Italy.
“We believe that we have a strong squad. This is a squad that has achieved great results over a long period of time,” Norway manager Stale Solbakken said following the announcement.
In a pre-recorded social media message, King Harald V reflected on the nation’s long wait for a World Cup return.
“The hope has lived on – on gravel, on grass and artificial turf... Across long distances, ferries and mountain passes,” the King said, as stunning footage of Norway’s landscapes played throughout the video.
Goalkeeper Sander Tangvik is the only uncapped player selected. His inclusion comes after FIFA rejected rival goalkeeper Nikita Haikin’s request to switch sporting nationality from Russia to Norway due to residency regulations.
Norway will face Sweden and Morocco in friendly matches next month before opening their World Cup campaign against Iraq on 16 June.
Goalkeepers:Orjan Haskjold Nyland (Sevilla), Sander Tangvik (Hamburger SV), Egil Selvik (Watford)
Defenders:Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford), Leo Ostigard (Genoa), David Moller Wolfe (Wolves), Fredrik Bjorkan (Bodo/Glimt), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Sondre Langas (Derby County), Henrik Falchener (Viking FK), Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund)
Midfielders:Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt), Sander Berge (Fulham), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Thelonious Aasgaard (Rangers), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodo/Glimt)
Forwards:Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace)
