sports
Norway World Cup 2026 team guide
Ståle Solbakken leads country to first major tournament in 26 years knowing that, with Erling Haaland up front, anything can happen
TL;DR
- Manager Ståle Solbakken leads Norway with a pragmatic style focused on results, often using a flexible 4-3-3 formation.
- Key attacking talents include Erling Haaland, who has become Norway's all-time leading goalscorer, and winger Antonio Nusa.
- Midfielder Sander Berge provides crucial balance and composure to the team.
- Norway's supporters are expected to be lively, with an estimated 7,000-10,000 fans traveling to North America.
- Solbakken's personal journey includes overcoming a severe heart attack in 2001, leading to his early retirement as a player and subsequent coaching career.
- Norway qualified for their first major tournament since 2000, a feat Solbakken described as surreal.