Norway don finally reach World Cup after 26 years, and dem come with style. Ståle Solbakken, the coach wey nearly die for 2001 training session, lead dem to America. Dis na first major tournament since Euro 2000.
Solbakken, wey win 58 caps for Norway, take over for 2020. After dem miss Euro 2024, dem top dia qualifying group. “I don’t think I’ll have any better nights than this in my life. It’s almost surreal,” Solbakken tok.
Norway go play for Group I with France, Senegal, and Iraq. Dem go try dominate Iraq, play smart against Senegal, and sit deep against France. Dia style na 4-3-3 wey fit change to 3-5-2. Solbakken like tight defending and fast attack.
Erling Haaland be the main man. For Manchester City, he score 27 goals with 8 assists for 2025-26 season. He break Jørgen Juve record wey stand for 92 years. Haaland score 34 goals for 36 games. “When you have Erling Braut Haaland up front, anything is possible,” people dey talk.
Antonio Nusa, the 21-year-old winger for RB Leipzig, idolise Neymar. He release book for children wey want be footballer. He always point to God when he score. Sander Berge from Fulham give balance for midfield. He get composure and fit cover space. For one qualifier against Estonia, Norwegian federation pay private plane to bring am after him become father. He play well and Norway win.
The Viking spirit strong. Norway players take photo for beach with Viking longships. Haaland carry sword and shield. Fans wey go America between 7,000 and 10,000, and dem go wear Viking helmets. Dem dey chant “Row! Row! Row!” like Vikings wey row across Atlantic.
But Norway get controversy. Donald Trump win Fifa peace prize. Norwegian football president Lise Klaveness say dem no support am: “We want to see this prize abolished. We do not believe that it is part of Fifa’s mandate to award such a prize.”
Norway odds na 35-1 to win World Cup. With Haaland up front, anything fit happen.
