Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has finalized his squad for the 2026 World Cup, marking the nation’s highly anticipated return to football’s grandest stage for the first time in 28 years. The former Köln coach has selected a 26-man roster heavy on German top-flight influence, featuring high-profile inclusions like Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson and RB Leipzig’s electrifying winger Antonio Nusa. However, the biggest talking point of the announcement centers around Hamburger SV goalkeeper Sander Tangvik, whose path to the tournament was anything but predictable.
While Ryerson and Nusa were locks for the flight, Tangvik’s inclusion comes on the heels of a dramatic series of events. The 23-year-old shot-stopper recently turned heads by saving a penalty on his HSV debut against Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. He was handed his ticket to the tournament after first-choice backup Mathias Dyngeland suffered an injury, combined with FIFA rejecting a nationality switch for Nikita Haikin. Tangvik brings a reputation as an elite penalty specialist, boasting an incredible record of keeping out five spot-kicks from 11 faced during his time in the Eliteserien.
Solbakken will lean heavily on Ryerson, who enters the tournament in the form of his life. The Borussia Dortmund full-back has been a creative machine this year, racking up 15 Bundesliga assists. His lethal set-piece delivery will be a critical tactical weapon for Norway, especially when aiming for the physical, aerially dominant strikers at Solbakken’s disposal. Meanwhile, Nusa heads to the World Cup riding high from a spectacular domestic campaign with RB Leipzig, helping Ole Werner’s side secure a return to the UEFA Champions League for next season.
Despite warming the bench for most of the season at Sevilla, former Ingolstadt and RB Leipzig keeper Orjan Nyland is still widely projected to start between the sticks as Norway’s number one. Solbakken is banking heavily on tournament experience and historical Bundesliga pedigree to navigate a challenging group stage. The squad boasts an array of talent with extensive experience in Germany, including Erling Haaland, Leo Ostigard, Morten Thorsby, Alexander Sorloth, and Jens Petter Hauge.
In a brilliant marketing move that captured global attention, the squad announcement was uniquely delivered via a pre-recorded video by Norway’s monarch, King Harald. The royalty-approved roster faces a grueling test in the group stage. Norway will kick off their campaign against Iraq before facing formidable challenges against Senegal and powerhouse France in what neutrals are already calling a tricky group to escape.
Full Norway Squad for the 2026 World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Orjan Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford), Sander Tangvik (Hamburger SV)
Defenders: Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), Marcus Pedersen (Torino), David Moller Wolfe (Wolverhampton), Fredrik Bjorkan (Bodo/Glimt), Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Leo Ostigard (Genoa), Sondre Langas (Derby County), Henrik Falchener (Viking)
Midfielders: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Sander Berge (Fulham), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Thelo Aasgaard (Rangers)
Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodo/Glimt)