Six reasons why Erling Haaland-inspired Norway are serious dark horses for 2026 World Cup glory

Israel manager Ran Ben-Shimon heaped praise on Norway after seeing his side suffer a 5-0 defeat to Solbakken’s men in October. “I believe that Norway are one of the top two teams in Europe, together with Spain,” Ben-Shimon declared. “I expected a lot, but they still surprised me.”

Solbakken described that lofty claim as “a bit of a stretch”, but it doesn’t feel like it. England, France, Portugal and Croatia have also secured passage to the World Cup, but none have impressed more than Norway. Euro 2024 winners Spain, who only need a draw against Turkey on Monday to qualify, still look like the top dogs, but Norway have a genuine claim to being second-best on the continent right now. 

Although he is staying modest, Solbakken has built a special team that should be taken seriously by cultivating a close-knit atmosphere in the dressing room and stamping a clear style of play. Norway used to leak goals when playing a man-for-man system, but Solbakken has replaced that with a zonal defensive structure that places an emphasis on capitalising quickly on interceptions.

Norway also now keep the ball far better, inviting teams onto them so they can play through the press and make the most of their speed and power upfront. “We are a combination of physical strength and technique,” Solbakken said after Sunday’s win against Italy. The former Wolves boss has transformed Norway into a front-foot side that can defend with the ball – a hallmark of a top-class outfit.

It remains to be seen if they can keep this level up in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where temperatures and pressure will skyrocket. But if Norway get through the group stage unfazed, all the so-called elite nations will want to avoid them in the knockouts. Haaland should dare to dream.