Norway at the World Cup 2026: Haaland, Odegaard and a Brutal Group
Norway are back at a World Cup for the first time since 1998 — and the draw handed them the group of death. Can Haaland and Odegaard drag them into the round of 32?
Twenty-eight years is a long time to wait. Norway last appeared at a World Cup in France 1998, before Erling Haaland was even born, and the country spent a generation watching from the outside. That ended in qualifying, where Ståle Solbakken's side were ruthless: eight wins from eight matches, capped by a stunning 4-1 away win over Italy in which Haaland scored twice. He finished the campaign with 16 goals — a statement that this generation would not be denied. You can read the full story on our Norway team page.
The squad is built around two of the Premier League's biggest names. Haaland, the Manchester City striker, is arguably the most lethal finisher on the planet, and captain Martin Odegaard pulls the strings from midfield as Arsenal's playmaker. Around them Solbakken has genuine depth: Alexander Sørloth of Atlético Madrid, RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, Crystal Palace's Jørgen Strand Larsen and City youngster Oscar Bobb give Norway attacking variety beyond just feeding their number nine.
Then came the draw, and with it the cruelest possible welcome back. Group I is widely tagged the group of death: Norway share it with two-time champions France, reigning Africa Cup of Nations winners Senegal, and Iraq, themselves back at a World Cup for the first time since 1986. By average FIFA ranking it is the toughest pool in the tournament — and the route to the round of 32 is anything but simple.
The maths, at least, gives Norway a real chance. In the 48-team format the top two of each group advance, plus the eight best third-placed sides, so even a runner-up finish or a strong third would do. The fixtures matter: Norway open against Iraq on June 16 at Gillette Stadium — the game they will target as a must-win — before facing Senegal on June 22 and France on June 26. Beat Iraq, steal a result against Senegal or France, and the knockout door opens. Lose the opener, and the margin for error vanishes.
Nobody serious is calling Norway favourites to lift the trophy — they are a clear longshot for that, and our model treats them accordingly. But escaping this group is a different question entirely, and with Haaland in this kind of form they have a puncher's chance against anyone. See how the numbers stack up in our 2026 World Cup predictions, then run Group I yourself in the match simulator.
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