Coming out of the October international break, Norway was only joined by England as teams in the World Cup’s UEFA groups to have won every single game. After six games, the surging Scandinavian team had amassed 18 points and an almighty +26 goal difference – eight better than England.
Throw on top that, arguably, Norway’s Group I is more difficult than England’s Group K – particularly because of the presence of Italy – and the Norwegians are sizing themselves up as big players in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite only having been to the World Cup three times, there are high hopes for this Norway squad.
Naturally, this is down to the firepower approaching its prime within the squad. In particular, three Vikings on the pitch are spurring belief in possible World Cup glory for Norway.
The Norse God of Football
He was scoring at a very high rate last season, but in 2025/26, he’s truly back to his absurdly good goal-scoring form. In just 12 games, he had 15 goals, 11 of which came in nine Premier League games. Hailed as the Norse god of football earlier this year, Haaland is the epitome of might on the pitch.
His many nicknames perfectly relay this. Seen as now being in ‘full Viking mode,’ while he very much likes the Terminator moniker, he fully embodies the nickname of the Norse god of football. Regardless of whether it’s the Norse or the Greek gods, they embody strength – especially when it comes to the thunder-wielding ones.
You can see it in the myths told through Stephen Fry’s Mythos books, in the Clash movies, and even in the collection of bingo slot games online. Slingo Thunder of the Gods embodies the might of the gods, being able to throw lightning and conquer any foe. Haaland has the footballing equivalent of that power.
The Norwegian Rolls-Royce
When it comes to playmaking talents, few can compare to Martin Ødegaard. The midfielder has endured some injury problems and got off to a somewhat slow start with two assists in seven games, but if Arsenal win the league, he’ll deserve a lot of the credit. Further, if Norway go deep in the summer, it’ll be down to his skill.
The man of the match in his only Champions League appearance to date this season, and the supplier of seven assists and a goal in five World Cup Qualification games, when he’s on the field, he’s often unplayable. Aptly labelled the Norwegian Rolls-Royce by Gunner Talk, he’ll be supplying Haaland with the goals this summer.
A Towering Defensive Engine
Standing 1.95m tall, Sander Berge is a hefty presence in the middle of the park for Fulham and Norway. He’s exceedingly good at getting to the high balls, knocking them down, and playing the safe passes to keep possession. This season, he’s averaged a pass percentage of 94.6 for Norway in six games and 88.3 in nine games for Fulham.
Importantly, he goes all-in on being the first line of defence for club and country. Across all competitions for Fulham and Norway in 2025/26, he’s averaged 1.6 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, 0.3 blocks, and 60.2 passes. He’s also keen to pop counterattacks, as shown by his 1.7 long balls per game.
With Berge protecting the defence, Ødegaard ready to pick up the ball and ping a perfect pass, and Haaland there to finish it off, Norway have the spine needed to become a real threat at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.