This piece forms part of the Guardian 2026 World Cup Experts Network linking leading media outlets from all 48 qualified nations. theguardian.com publishes previews from three teams daily ahead of the event start on 11 June.

The plan

Solbakken reached the Norway manager post after sitting unused on the bench at the 1998 World Cup and feeding advice to Egil Olsen during a comeback win over Brazil. Like his former coach he avoids romantic notions and sticks to results-driven methods from northern Europe. His teams defend tightly in zones while launching direct attacks that aim to slice through midfield lines. Norway favors a 4-3-3 shape with built-in flexibility. Winger Antonio Nusa holds the left flank while full-back Julian Ryerson steps forward like an extra attacker turning the setup closer to 3-5-2. This keeps strikers Haaland and Alexander Sorloth near the goalmouth. A flatter 4-4-2 has also been tested. The system simply seeks to highlight standout individuals especially Haaland power and captain Martin Odegaard vision. When gaps appear behind opposing lines Haaland exploits them at once. The squad has added ball-playing options at the back with left-footed Torbjorn Heggem joining Kristoffer Ajer. Group matches should differ sharply with dominance expected versus Iraq measured variety against Senegal and deeper defending versus France built on counters plus set pieces.

The coach

Stale Solbakken suffered a heart attack while training with Copenhagen in 2001. He was clinically dead for seven minutes before revival. His playing days ended immediately. In 24 of the 25 years since he has worked as a coach at clubs including Wolves Cologne and Copenhagen. He took the national job in 2020 after earning 58 caps himself. Following a missed Euros he led Norway to its first major tournament since Euro 2000. He called the qualification night almost unreal and the best of his life.

Star player

Erling Haaland will test every defender at the World Cup. Facing the Manchester City forward demands both physical strength and mental focus. Any lapse in time or space leads to punishment. Jorgen Juve record of 33 goals stood for 92 years until Haaland passed it at age 24 with his 34th strike in just 36 games. A side inspired by Haaland could upset expectations this summer. With him leading the line almost anything remains possible.

One to watch

Antonio Nusa has long admired Neymar and shares certain traits with the Brazilian. Faith plays a central role for both yet Nusa avoids off-field issues. Supporters often gasp when he collects the ball and surges ahead. He credits God after every goal and appearance. Shortly before the tournament he published a guide for young players chasing professional dreams. Readers may not all reach the top but they gain lessons on character as well. The 21-year-old joined RB Leipzig in 2024.

Unsung hero

Sander Berge supplies essential balance behind the attack. The Fulham midfielder brings calm possession and strong positional cover vital to Solbakken system. His worth showed before a key qualifier versus Estonia in June 2025 when he became a father. Norway planned to manage without him until the federation arranged a private flight to Tallinn. Norway won and Berge performed among the best on the pitch. He has scored only once internationally and rarely grabs headlines yet his contribution to the squad stays immense.

Probable starting XI

What to expect from fans at games?

Supporters will chant Row Row Row in time with their movements in the stands recalling Viking voyages across the Atlantic. Norway brings an energetic traveling group to its first World Cup since 1998. The federation expects between 7000 and 10000 fans in North America for the group stage. Viking helmets will appear often in streets and stands alike.

Relationship with the US/Trump?

Donald Trump stated earlier this year that he believes Norway controls the Nobel peace prize and that he has ended eight wars. His friend Gianni Infantino and Fifa later created their own peace prize which Trump received as a surprise winner. Norwegian football president Lise Klaveness joined others in criticizing the move and called for the prize to be scrapped since it falls outside Fifa remit.

Written by Simen Stamso-Moller and Vegard Bjelland for TV 2 Norway.