Erling Haaland’s Norway team-mate emulates NBA legend Dennis Rodman with outrageous look for World Cup qualifier with Italy

Norway’s qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was underpinned by a powerful sense of dominance in potential and talent, fuelled by a generation of globally recognized stars. With the tournament expanding, expectations were at an all-time high for coach Stale Solbakken to translate individual brilliance into collective success.

The campaign’s narrative has been defined by the relentless offensive firepower of Erling Haaland and the creative mastery of captain Martin Odegaard. Haaland, the world’s most feared striker, has consistently led the line with a clinical edge, often dominating rival defences single-handedly. Odegaard, orchestrating play from midfield, ensured Norway maintained an overwhelming control of possession and created a high volume of quality scoring chances in nearly every fixture.