Norway

Norway return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998, drawn into Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Iraq. With Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard — two of the best players in the Premier League — Norway have the individual star power to make an impact.

France are overwhelming favorites. Senegal are strong. Iraq are the underdogs. Norway should target second place, with the Senegal match as the decisive fixture.

Why this group matters: Norway's 28-year World Cup absence has been a source of frustration for a nation that produced some of the world's best players without qualifying for major tournaments. Haaland and Odegaard represent the chance to end that drought and prove Norway are not just a collection of great individuals — they are a competitive team.

Iraq on Matchday 1 is the most competitive fixture straight out of the gate. Senegal on Matchday 2 at MetLife is a must-win clash for second-place ambitions. France on Matchday 3 in Foxborough features the Haaland vs. Mbappé storyline — one of the great individual matchups in tournament history.

Norway have appeared in 3 FIFA World Cups:

• 1938: Norway's first appearance, losing 2-1 to Italy (the eventual champions) in the first round.
• 1994: Norway qualified but were eliminated in the group stage with a loss to Italy and a draw with Ireland.
• 1998: Norway's best World Cup. They beat Brazil 2-1 in the group stage (one of the great World Cup upsets), drew with Scotland, and lost to Italy. Despite beating the eventual finalists, Norway were eliminated in the group stage on goal difference.
• 28-year drought: Norway failed to qualify for every World Cup from 2002 to 2022, despite having players like John Arne Riise, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and later Haaland and Odegaard in the squad.

The 1998 victory over Brazil remains Norway's greatest football moment — Kjetil Rekdal's penalty sent the entire country into delirium.

Ståle Solbakken leads Norway into their first World Cup since 1998. His challenge is turning two world-class individuals (Haaland and Odegaard) into a team capable of competing at the highest level.

• Haaland as the focal point — everything goes through him
• Odegaard as the creator with license to find Haaland in dangerous positions
• Width through full-backs rather than relying on traditional wingers
• Defensive discipline to compensate for the attacking commitment
• Direct, vertical play to get the ball to Haaland as quickly as possible

The concern is that beyond Haaland and Odegaard, Norway's squad lacks the depth of France or Senegal. The supporting cast must step up for Norway to advance.

Norwegian football culture is passionate but understated compared to southern European or South American traditions.

• Viking identity: Norway's football fans embrace their Scandinavian identity. The growing adoption of the Viking clap (popularized by Iceland) adds a coordinated, thunderous element to matchdays.
• Tippeligaen culture: Norwegian domestic football has a loyal following, with fans accustomed to supporting through long winters and modest resources.
• Haaland effect: Erling Haaland has single-handedly raised Norway's football profile. His global star power has made Norway a team that neutrals want to watch.
• Scandinavian camaraderie: Norwegian fans travel well and are known for good humor and friendly rivalry with Danish and Swedish supporters.

Why to watch if you are a casual fan: Erling Haaland at a World Cup is one of the great "finally" moments in football. The most prolific striker of his generation, who has broken every scoring record at club level, has never played at a World Cup until now. Paired with Martin Odegaard's creative genius, Norway have a Haaland-Odegaard connection that could produce magical moments. And the France match on Matchday 3 — Mbappe vs. Haaland — is the individual duel of the tournament.

Norway need to beat Iraq and Senegal to guarantee advancement. The France match is likely a loss.

Prediction: Round of 32 or Round of 16. Norway's ceiling depends on whether Haaland and Odegaard can carry the supporting cast. If they finish second in the group, they will advance to the Round of 32 and likely win that match. The Round of 16 against a strong opponent is the realistic ceiling, though Haaland's ability to single-handedly win matches means anything is possible.