Norway announce World Cup squad in royal style after historic return

Norway have unveiled their 2026 FIFA World Cup squad in a unique and memorable fashion, with King Harald V personally announcing the team in a video message shared on social media following the nation’s long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.

The Scandinavian side secured qualification for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, ending an absence that dates back to the 1998 tournament. Norway sealed their place in emphatic style, winning all eight matches in the qualifiers and scoring an impressive 37 goals along the way.

As expected, the squad is headlined by Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland and Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, who are set to lead Norway’s bid to make an impact on the global stage.

Fulham winger Oscar Bobb and Crystal Palace forward Jørgen Strand Larsen have also been included in the attacking lineup, while one of the biggest surprises in the squad is Hamburg goalkeeper Sander Tangvik, who earned a place despite yet to make his senior international debut.

Norway will begin their World Cup campaign against Iraq in Boston on June 17 before facing Senegal in New Jersey on June 23. They will conclude the group stage with a high-profile clash against France on June 26.

Norway’s World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Ørjan Håskjold Nyland, Egil Selvik, Sander Tangvik.

Defenders: Julian Ryerson, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, David Møller Wolfe, Fredrik Bjørkan, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Heggem, Leo Skiri Østigård, Sondre Langås, Henrik Falchener.

Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard, Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes, Patrick Berg, Kristian Thorstvedt, Morten Thorsby, Thelo Aasgaard.

Forwards: Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth, Jørgen Strand Larsen, Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb, Andreas Schjelderup, Jens Petter Hauge.