Norway Name 26 for First World Cup in 28 Years: Haaland and Ødegaard Lead Solbakken's Squad
Ståle Solbakken has named Norway's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Erling Haaland and captain Martin Ødegaard headline the side at Norway's first World Cup since 1998. The Group I draw puts Norway alongside France, Senegal and Iraq.
N orway have named Ståle Solbakken's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a 28-year wait since their last appearance at France 1998. Captain Martin Ødegaard and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland headline a side that comes into the tournament off a perfect qualifying campaign. Norway face France, Senegal and Iraq in Group I.
The full 26
Goalkeepers (3): Ørjan Nyland, Egil Selvik, Sander Tangvik. Defenders (9): Kristoffer Ajer, Fredrik André Bjørkan, Sondre Langås, Henrik Falchener, Torbjørn Heggem, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Julian Ryerson, Leo Skiri Østigård, David Møller Wolfe. Midfielders (8): Thelo Aasgaard, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg, Fredrik Aursnes, Oscar Bobb, Morten Thorsby, Kristian Thorstvedt, Martin Ødegaard (captain). Forwards (6): Antonio Nusa, Jens Petter Hauge, Andreas Schjelderup, Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth, Jørgen Strand Larsen.
Haaland and Ødegaard at the heart of the side
The headline names are obvious. Erling Haaland leads the line off a Premier League season in which he again outscored every other striker in the division. Captain Martin Ødegaard, the Arsenal playmaker, sits behind him. Together they have driven a Norway side that won eight of eight qualifying matches without dropping a point, the same perfect run England managed in UEFA qualifying. Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb and Jørgen Strand Larsen give Solbakken pace and depth in the front line, while Sander Berge and Morten Thorsby anchor the central midfield.
Ryerson and the defence
Borussia Dortmund's Julian Ryerson, who finished the Bundesliga campaign level with David Raum for most crosses in the league, is back at full-back. Kristoffer Ajer and Leo Skiri Østigård take the senior centre-back roles. Three goalkeepers including Nyland complete the structure of the squad.
Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq
Norway arrive in Group I, alongside reigning World No. 3 France, Senegal and Iraq. The group is heavy. Norway's realistic targets are the two non-French fixtures, with the France match expected to define seeding for the new round of 32. The Lions return to a World Cup after missing six editions in a row since 1998, the longest absence by a top-50 ranked European side this cycle.
Quick facts
Captain: Martin Ødegaard. Head coach: Ståle Solbakken. World Cup appearances including 2026: four. Best result: quarter-final, 1938.
Reporting: FIFA / Norges Fotballforbund, May 21, 2026.