Norway is back at the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998. After 28 long years, the Vikings have earned their place in the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
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This isn’t just any return. Erling Haaland, one of the world’s best strikers, leads the charge. You are about to witness history in the making.
Norway’s Full Match Schedule (CEST)
Norway lands in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Iraq (Intercontinental Playoff 2 Winner). All three group-stage games are played on the East Coast of the United States.
Norway is in the Central European Summer Time (CEST) zone, which is UTC+2. All kickoff times below are converted to CEST.
| Date | Match | Venue | Kickoff (ET) | Kickoff (CEST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 🇮🇶 Iraq vs 🇳🇴 Norway | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA | 6:00 PM ET | Midnight (00:00) |
| Monday, June 22, 2026 | 🇳🇴 Norway vs 🇸🇳 Senegal | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ | 8:00 PM ET | 02:00 AM |
| Friday, June 26, 2026 | 🇳🇴 Norway vs 🇫🇷 France | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA | 3:00 PM ET | 09:00 PM |
The Group I finale against France on June 26 is the most important game. It kicks off at 9:00 PM CEST — a prime-time slot for Norwegian fans.
The France clash at Gillette Stadium in Boston is set to be an electric atmosphere.
Norway’s pre-tournament friendlies also matter. They face Sweden on June 1 at Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo before jetting to the US. A warm-up against Morocco is scheduled for June 7 in Harrison, New Jersey.
Norway’s World Cup History & Record
Norway has qualified for the FIFA World Cup three times — in 1938, 1994, and 1998. Their best finish was the Round of 16, achieved in both 1938 and 1998.
The 1998 tournament in France stands as their most memorable. Norway beat Brazil 2–1 in the group stage — one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Brazil went on to reach the final of that tournament, making the win even more remarkable.
Norway is the only team in the world that has never lost a competitive match against Brazil, winning twice and drawing twice.
| Year | Stage Reached | Notable Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1938 | Round of 16 | Lost to Italy 1–2 (AET) |
| 1994 | Group Stage | Beat Mexico 1–0 |
| 1998 | Round of 16 | Historic 2–1 win vs Brazil |
| 2026 | TBD | First appearance since 1998 |
The 2026 campaign marks 28 years since Norway last played at a World Cup. Manager Ståle Solbakken becomes the first Norwegian coach in almost 30 years to lead the national team to this stage.
Predictions and Key Player Analysis
Norway enters 2026 as a genuine dark horse. They scored 37 goals and conceded just 5 in their qualifying campaign. That includes a stunning 4–1 win over Italy at the San Siro.
Erling Haaland is the centerpiece of everything. He bagged 16 goals in 8 qualifying matches — an extraordinary record. If he fires in North America, Norway could reach the knockout rounds with ease.
The 25-year-old Manchester City striker is arguably the most dangerous forward at the entire tournament.
Martin Ødegaard is Norway’s creative heartbeat. The Arsenal captain controls tempo and supplies Haaland with precision. His fitness heading into the summer is the key question for Norway’s ambitions.
Group I is tough. France are tournament favorites. But Norway’s physical style, direct play, and clinical finishing make them a real threat. Expect goals.
Norway’s Probable Squad for 2026
Based on the latest March 2026 selection by coach Ståle Solbakken, here is Norway’s provisional 26-man squad:
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Ørjan Nyland | Sevilla |
| GK | Egil Selvik | Watford |
| GK | Viljar Myhra | OB |
| DEF | Kristoffer Ajer | Brentford |
| DEF | Julian Ryerson | Borussia Dortmund |
| DEF | Leo Skiri Østigård | Genoa |
| DEF | Marcus Holmgren Pedersen | Torino |
| DEF | David Møller Wolfe | Wolverhampton Wanderers |
| DEF | Fredrik André Bjørkan | Bodø/Glimt |
| DEF | Torbjørn Heggem | Bologna |
| DEF | Odin Bjørtuft | Bodø/Glimt |
| DEF | Henrik Falchener | Viking |
| MID | Sander Berge | Fulham |
| MID | Patrick Berg | Bodø/Glimt |
| MID | Kristian Thorstvedt | Sassuolo |
| MID | Morten Thorsby | Cremonese |
| MID | Antonio Nusa | RB Leipzig |
| MID | Oscar Bobb | Fulham |
| MID | Jens Petter Hauge | Bodø/Glimt |
| MID | Andreas Schjelderup | Benfica |
| MID | Felix Horn Myhre | Brann |
| FWD | Alexander Sørloth | Atlético Madrid |
| FWD | Erling Haaland | Manchester City |
| FWD | Jørgen Strand Larsen | Crystal Palace |
Note: Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal) was absent from the March selection due to a knee injury. His availability for June is yet to be confirmed.
How to Watch World Cup 2026 in Norway
Norway’s official World Cup 2026 broadcasters are NRK and TV2. Together, they will show all 80 matches of the tournament in Norway.
| Platform | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| NRK1 / NRK2 | Free-to-air TV | Free (publicly funded) |
| NRK.no / NRK TV app | Free streaming | Free |
| TV2 Direkte (via RiksTV) | Paid TV | Subscription required |
| TV2 Play app | Paid streaming | Subscription required |
NRK holds the exclusive free-to-air rights for the tournament. Norwegian fans can stream every match on the NRK TV app at no cost.
TV2’s coverage is available via a RiksTV subscription. Latest available information suggests TV2 Play subscription pricing starts at approximately NOK 199/month, but check TV2 Play for current offers.
FAQs
Is Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Yes. Norway qualified for the 2026 World Cup — their first appearance since 1998.
What group is Norway in at World Cup 2026?
Norway is in Group I with France, Senegal, and Iraq.
When is Norway’s first game at the 2026 World Cup?
Norway’s first match is on June 16, 2026 against Iraq at Gillette Stadium, at midnight CEST.
What time are Norway’s World Cup games in Norway (CEST)?
The three games kick off at 00:00, 02:00, and 21:00 CEST respectively.
Who is Norway’s best player at World Cup 2026?
Erling Haaland is Norway’s star player. He scored 16 goals in qualifying alone.
Where can I watch Norway’s World Cup games for free in Norway?
You can watch every game free on NRK1, NRK2, and the NRK TV app.
What is Norway’s best World Cup result ever?
Norway reached the Round of 16 in both 1938 and 1998.
Did Norway ever beat Brazil at the World Cup?
Yes. Norway beat Brazil 2–1 at the 1998 World Cup in France.
Who is Norway’s manager at World Cup 2026?
Ståle Solbakken is the head coach. He is the first Norwegian manager to lead the team to a World Cup in nearly 30 years.
Is Martin Ødegaard going to the 2026 World Cup?
His participation is currently uncertain due to a knee injury. His status will be confirmed closer to the tournament.
