Norway announced their squad for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday night, with Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard and Antonio Nusa all included in Stale Solbakken’s selection. Norwegian King Harald revealed the squad in a video as Norway prepared for their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Solbakken admitted the selection process created difficult decisions before the squad announcement. Several players who impressed during the season missed out despite strong domestic and European campaigns.
“It is difficult to find the balance. We know that some will be disappointed, but that is part of the game here. Then some will be quite satisfied. That will always be the case,” Solbakken told NRK.
“What is special is that a World Cup squad has not been selected since 1998.”
Norway left out Kristian Arnstad, Zlatko Tripic and Aron Donnum despite strong seasons. Solbakken instead backed a squad with a mix of experienced internationals and younger attacking players.
Norway will enter the tournament with high expectations after ending a 28-year absence from the World Cup. Much of the attention will centre on Haaland and Odegaard, but Solbakken’s squad also carries depth in attack and energy in midfield.
The Norwegian World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers: Ørjan Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford), Sander Tangvik (HSV)
Defenders: Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford), Leo Skiri Østigård (Genoa), David Møller Wolfe (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), Torbjørn Heggem (Bologna), Fredrik Bjørkan (Bodø/Glimt), Henrik Falchener (Viking), Sondre Langås (Derby County)
Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal), Sander Berge (Fulham), Patrick Berg (Bodø/Glimt), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Thelo Aasgaard (Rangers), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodø/Glimt), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica)
Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Alexander Sørloth (Atlético Madrid), Jørgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig)
