UEFA · Group I
Norway at FIFA World Cup 2026
Norway qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the first 48-team edition, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Group I opponents
Norway plays the following three teams in the group stage. Top 2 advance to the Round of 32; the 3rd-placed team can still advance via the best-3rd-placed playoff route (8 of 12 third-placed teams qualify).
Norway fixtures
Norway in the tournament
Norway arrives at the 2026 World Cup ranked #33 in the FIFA World Ranking with a tournament strength rating of 75/100. UEFA (Europe) sends 16 teams to the 2026 expanded tournament, the largest single-confederation allocation.
The 48-team format puts Norway in Group I with France, Senegal, Iraq. On FIFA ranking alone, the group averages #29, with Norway in the middle of the pack. Top 2 advance automatically; the best 3rd-placed teams (8 of 12) also qualify for the Round of 32.
Norway squad for World Cup 2026
Announced May 20, 2026 · 26 players · Head coach: Ståle Solbakken
Norway's first World Cup since 1998 -- and the most anticipated debut on the tournament: Erling Haaland, 25, finally takes the World Cup stage. Captain Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal) leads a generation that ended a 28-year drought.
Goalkeepers3
- Ørjan Haskjold Nyland(Sevilla)
- Egil Selvik(Watford)
- Sander Tangvik(Hamburger SV)
Defenders9
- Julian Ryerson(Borussia Dortmund)
- Marcus Holmgren Pedersen(Torino)
- David Moller Wolfe(Wolves)
- Fredrik Bjorkan(Bodo/Glimt)
- Kristoffer Ajer(Brentford)
- Torbjorn Heggem(Bologna)
- Leo Skiri Ostigard(Genoa)
- Sondre Langas(Derby County)
- Henrik Falchener(Viking)
Midfielders7
- Martin OdegaardCaptain(Arsenal)
- Sander Berge(Fulham)
- Fredrik Aursnes(Benfica)
- Patrick Berg(Bodo/Glimt)
- Kristian Thorstvedt(Sassuolo)
- Morten Thorsby(Cremonese)
- Thelo Aasgaard(Rangers)
Forwards7
- Erling Haaland(Manchester City)World Cup debut at 25; Norway's standout star
- Alexander Sorloth(Atletico Madrid)
- Jorgen Strand Larsen(Crystal Palace)
- Antonio Nusa(RB Leipzig)
- Oscar Bobb(Fulham)
- Andreas Schjelderup(Benfica)
- Jens Petter Hauge(Bodo/Glimt)
Sources: Sky Sports, ESPN. Squads may change due to injury or disciplinary action before the tournament.
Norway analysis
Frequently asked questions about Norway
When does Norway play at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Norway plays 3 scheduled group-stage matches starting June 16, 2026. The opener is against IRQ. See the full fixtures list below for every kickoff time and venue.
What group is Norway in at the World Cup 2026?
Norway is in Group I alongside France, Senegal, Iraq. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the 8 best 3rd-placed teams across all 12 groups.
What is Norway's FIFA ranking?
Norway entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 ranked #33 in the FIFA World Ranking. This places them in the top 50 globally. Rankings update through the qualification cycle.
Can Norway win the World Cup 2026?
Norway's pre-tournament strength rating is 75/100, derived from FIFA ranking, recent form, and squad depth. They are realistic dark horses capable of reaching the latter rounds. Try them in the bracket predictor to test your scenario.