Norway 2026 FIFA World Cup Fixtures: Full Schedule, Date, Kick-Off Times, Venues, Stadiums, Key Players, History

Norway – 2026 World Cup Team Profile

Norway returns to the FIFA World Cup stage in 2026 after a 28-year absence, marking a major milestone for a golden generation of talent. The team combines traditional Nordic physical strength with world-class attacking quality, making them one of the most exciting returnees in the tournament.

Drawn into Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Iraq, Norway faces a challenging but high-profile group that will test both their defensive organization and attacking efficiency.

Led by elite European-based stars, Norway enters the tournament with genuine hopes of reaching the knockout stages for the first time in the modern era.

Norway World Cup 2026 Overview

Norway qualified through UEFA competition, ending nearly three decades of absence from the World Cup. Their resurgence is built on a strong tactical foundation and a generation of elite attacking talent.

Confederation: Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)

Coach: Ståle Solbakken (projected)

Best World Cup Finish: Round of 16 (1998)

World Cup Appearances: 3 (including 2026)

Status: First World Cup appearance since 1998

Norway Key Players to Watch at the World Cup

Erling Haaland (Forward, Manchester City): One of the most feared strikers in world football. Known for his explosive finishing, movement, and physical dominance in the box.

Martin Ødegaard (Midfielder, Arsenal): Creative leader and captain, controlling tempo and dictating attacking play with vision and precision passing.

Alexander Sørloth (Forward, Atlético Madrid): Strong aerial presence and finishing ability, offering a direct attacking option.

Kristian Thorstvedt (Midfielder, Sassuolo): Box-to-box midfielder providing balance and physicality in central areas.

Norway World Cup History

Norway has previously appeared in the FIFA World Cup in 1938, 1994, and 1998. Their most successful campaign came in 1998 when they reached the Round of 16.

After a long absence, their 2026 qualification marks a major return to the global stage and the beginning of a new competitive era.

Norway 2026 World Cup Opponents

France: Defending elite-level contender with world-class depth and tournament experience.

Senegal: Physically strong African champions with discipline and athletic power.

Iraq: Organized Asian side with defensive structure and counterattacking potential.

Group I is one of the most competitive groups in the tournament, with France expected to lead and Norway and Senegal likely battling for qualification.

Norway 2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule, Kick-Off Times, Full Match Fixtures, Venues

All Times (ET, CT, MT, PT)

June 16, 2026

Iraq vs Norway

Venue: Gillette Stadium, Boston, USA
Kick-off: 6:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM CT / 4:00 PM MT / 3:00 PM PT

June 22, 2026

Norway vs Senegal

Venue: MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey, USA
Kick-off: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT / 6:00 PM MT / 5:00 PM PT

June 26, 2026

France vs Norway

Venue: Gillette Stadium, Boston, USA
Kick-off: 3:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM MT / 12:00 PM PT

How to Watch World Cup 2026 in Norway, TV Channel, Live Streaming

TV Network: NRK and TV 2 are provide full national broadcast coverage of the World Cup.

Live Stream: NRK TV and TV 2 Play will likely stream matches live across Norway.

Norway World Cup Coaching and Tactics

Norway plays a structured and physically intense style built on defensive organization and fast attacking transitions. The system is designed to maximize the impact of elite attacking talents like Haaland and Ødegaard.

Direct play, set pieces, and quick vertical attacks are key components of their tactical identity.

Norway World Cup Expectations and Predictions

Norway’s main goal is to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 1998. A strong performance against Senegal will be crucial in determining their chances, while France represents the toughest challenge in Group I.

Progressing from the group would be considered a major success for this returning generation.

Venue and Travel Notes

Norway’s matches are split between Boston and New York/New Jersey, two major East Coast venues with large, passionate crowds.

Norwegian supporters are expected to travel strongly, especially for matches involving their star players on the global stage.

Source: FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule, UEFA, ESPN, and football reference materials. Fixtures and broadcast details remain subject to final confirmation.

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