Norway World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Stale Solbakken

Norway's first World Cup since 1998

28 years. An entire generation of Norwegian football fans who have never seen their country at a World Cup. And now they arrive with arguably the two best players in the world in their positions — the best striker on the planet and the Premier League's champion playmaker. The wait is over. The question now is whether this squad can do what the 1998 generation couldn't and actually go deep in the tournament.

Erling Haaland — built for this stage

Sixteen goals in eight qualifying games, twice any other player in Europe. At Manchester City he has broken Premier League scoring records and won league titles. At 25 he arrives at his first World Cup as the best striker in the world. This is the stage he was born for. Norway have been waiting for this moment for years — a World Cup with Haaland as the centrepiece. In Group I he will face France's Saliba and Upamecano in the most eagerly anticipated forward versus defence clash of the group stage.

Martin Odegaard — arriving in the form of his life

Arsenal's playmaker just won the Premier League and is heading to the Champions League final. He arrives at the World Cup in the form of his life, captaining Norway at 27 with the entire weight of a nation's expectations on his shoulders. Odegaard has matured into one of the best midfielders in the world — his ability to find space, pick the right pass and drive forward at pace makes him almost impossible to man-mark. If Norway qualify from their group, Odegaard will be the reason.

Oscar Bobb in the squad despite his Fulham loan

Technically on loan from Manchester City at Fulham, Bobb qualifies for Norway and Solbakken has included him. One of the most exciting young wide players in English football — his direct running, ability to cut inside and shoot, and unpredictability make him a genuine wildcard off the bench or even in the starting lineup. This is one of the more intriguing selection calls in the entire tournament.

Group I — France, Senegal and Iraq

Norway are in Group I with France, Senegal and Iraq. France are the group favourites. Senegal are African champions with a strong squad. Iraq are the group's wildcard. Norway absolutely can qualify — Haaland and Odegaard give them a chance against anyone — but it will take a strong performance against at least one of France or Senegal. Solbakken knows this. Norway will be compact and hard to beat, with Haaland as the ever-present threat on the counter.

Norway qualified with a perfect record

Eight wins from eight qualifying games. 37 goals scored. Five conceded. The most dominant qualifying campaign of any European nation. They did not just qualify — they annihilated their qualifying group. The performances gave Norway a belief and confidence that 28 years away from the biggest stage cannot dent. They arrive at this World Cup not just happy to be here. They arrive expecting to get out of the group. Anything less would be considered a disappointment.

Who is in Norway's World Cup 2026 squad?

Stale Solbakken named a 26-man squad headlined by Erling Haaland (Manchester City) and Martin Odegaard (Arsenal). The squad also includes Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid), Sander Berge (Fulham), Julian Ryerson (Dortmund) and young talents Oscar Bobb and Antonio Nusa.

Is Erling Haaland in Norway's World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes. Erling Haaland is in the squad and is Norway's star player. He scored 16 qualifying goals — more than twice any other European player. This is his first World Cup and the entire tournament narrative will partly be built around whether he can deliver on the biggest stage.

Is Martin Odegaard in Norway's World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes. Martin Odegaard captains Norway and arrives in peak form after winning the Premier League with Arsenal and reaching the Champions League final. At 27 he is in the best spell of his career.

Who is Norway's captain at World Cup 2026?

Martin Odegaard captains Norway at the 2026 World Cup. The 27-year-old Arsenal midfielder leads his country back to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

What group are Norway in at World Cup 2026?

Norway are in Group I with France, Senegal and Iraq. A tough group but one Norway can qualify from. Haaland and Odegaard give them a genuine chance against France — and Senegal and Iraq are both beatable on their day.

When did Norway last play at a World Cup?

Norway last appeared at a World Cup in France 1998 where they reached the Round of 16 before losing to Italy. This 2026 tournament ends a 28-year absence and is the biggest moment in Norwegian football in a generation.