Norway

Group I · UEFA · FIFA #29

Norway return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, powered by arguably the world's most dangerous striker. Erling Haaland — who broke the Premier League single-season goal record with 36 goals for Manchester City — is a generational talent. Ødegaard provides the creative intelligence; Sørloth adds a second serious attacking threat. Norway won all eight qualifying matches.

At a Glance

Tournament Threat
7/10
FIFA Ranking
#29
Group
I
Recent Form
W W W W D

Key Players

Erling Haaland
Martin Ødegaard
Alexander Sørloth

Coach: Ståle Solbakken

Tactical Analysis

An energetic 4-3-3 with Haaland as the devastating focal point. Ødegaard creates from midfield with exceptional vision and passing; wide players supply Haaland with crossing and combination opportunities. The team presses intensely when not in possession.

Betting Angle

Haaland's anytime scorer markets carry significant value — he has scored at a world-record rate and rarely goes goalless in competitive matches. Norway over 1.5 goals markets are also worth examining.

Did You Know?

  • Norway last appeared at a World Cup in 1998 — their 2026 qualification ended a 28-year absence.
  • Erling Haaland scored 16 goals in qualifying — the most by any European player in a single qualifying campaign.
  • Ståle Solbakken's Norway qualified with a perfect record — eight games, eight wins, the first European team to achieve this.

Group I Opponents