Norway World Cup starting 11: Predicted lineup for 2026

Norway enter World Cup 2026 as ninth-favourites to lift the trophy, despite the fact that this is their first appearance on the global stage since the turn of the century.

Absent since 1998, Norway intend to make up for lost time at the expanded 48-team event in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Stale Solbakken’s side breezed through qualification, winning all eight games and doing the double over Italy among others. Norway were rampant throughout the campaign, scoring 37 goals and conceding only five.

They have been drawn in a tough group alongside France, Senegal and Iraq, but Norway will back themselves to advance to the round of 32.

Solbakken has switched between formations in recent times, with 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 his favoured systems. When Norway face Iraq in their opening game at the World Cup on June 16, they will probably opt for the 4-4-2, but Solbakken may decide to add an extra midfielder when his team faces stronger opposition.

Can Solbakken make history?

Norway’s best ever showing at a World Cup was a last-16 berth in 1998. This summer marks the country’s fourth ever appearance at the tournament, and Stale Solbakken will be attempting to make history by guiding Norway into the quarter-finals.

It will not be easy, especially after the group stage draw, but Norway are ninth-favourites to triumph for a reason.

Solbakken has been in charge of his country since 2020. There have been downs as well as ups: Norway failed to book a spot at either World Cup 2022 and Euro 2024, but the former Copenhagen boss was praised for the way he negotiated the qualification group for the upcoming tournament in North America.

Prediction for Head Coach

The strongest section of this Norway side is the attack, but Solbakken has done a good job to get them more organised out of possession. He wants his team to be compact both with and without the ball, so do not expect Norway’s opponents to enjoy facing them. 

The star player: Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland has a magnificent record for Norway, having scored 55 goals in 49 appearances for his country. He became the national team’s all-time record scorer at the tender age of 24, surpassing Jorgen Juve’s tally of 33. Haaland has an extraordinary ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis.

Without the Manchester City frontman, Norway’s chances of a successful summer would be much diminished. But with Haaland up top, Solbakken’s side have a chance in every fixture they contest. Haaland scored a continent-high 16 goals in qualifying, a preposterous tally given Norway only played eight matches.

Prediction for Star Player

Haaland does not contribute as much in general play as other strikers, but he makes up for that with his goalscoring record. Do not expect to see much of the 25-year-old in Norway’s matches, although you can guarantee he will come alive inside the box when it matters.

Norway starting 11 vs. Iraq predictions

How to bet on the Norway World Cup squad

There are specific betting markets relevant to the Norway starting XI for World Cup 2026. One of the most popular is the anytime goalscorer market. Erling Haaland is the obvious choice here.

The Manchester City man is prolific and his track record for club and country speaks for itself. Haaland ranks fourth in the Golden Boot betting charts.

Some bookmakers also allow punters to predict which players will provide an assist. Martin Odegaard is Norway’s creator-in-chief, so he is likely to fashion opportunities for his team-mates this summer. Another contender is Antonio Nusa, who will look to pick out Haaland with balls into the box.

One more individual player market worth watching is cards. Sander Berge does not shirk a challenge, so the holding midfielder is the most obvious Norwegian pick. Kristoffer Ajer, the Brentford central defender, is another option.

FAQ about the 2026 Norway World Cup squad

1. How many times have Norway won the World Cup?

Norway have never won the World Cup before. This is only their fourth appearance on the biggest stage of all, having also featured in 1938, 1994 and 1998. They technically reached the last 16 in 1938, but only because 15 teams took part. Their run to the round of 16 in 1998 is therefore their best achievement to date.

2. Which players are injured and missing from the starting 11?

At the time of writing, Norway have no major injury issues to contend with. Having played in the Champions League final at the end of May, Martin Odegaard was given additional time off before linking up with the squad, but he will be ready to play in the opening game against Iraq.

Solbakken will hope that his side do not pick up any injuries before then.

3. Are there any changes to Norway’s usual starting 11?

Norway have a pretty settled side, so there have not been any major changes to their starting XI over the last couple of years.

There is always going to be a limited player pool for a country with a population of less than six million, so Solbakken did not have many headaches when it came to picking his 26-man squad for the USA, Canada and Mexico.

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