A historic return and a long-awaited breakthrough
With dominant 4–1 wins over both Estonia and Italy, Norway have officially qualified for their first FIFA World Cup since 1998. Considering the presence of elite talents such as Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, many have questioned why it took nearly three decades to return to football’s biggest stage. For most players in this squad, Norway’s famous 2–1 win over Brazil at France ’98 is only a story they’ve heard — but for manager Ståle Solbakken, it is a lived memory.
Solbakken, part of Egil Olsen’s pragmatic and often-criticised team of the late 90s, understands the magnitude of the achievement. And under his guidance, this generation has forged an identity of its own, rooted in intensity, structure and unity.
Solbakken’s identity and the rise of team culture
Speaking to ESPN, Solbakken emphasised that team spirit matters as much as tactical detail. While football has evolved since his playing days, he believes the spirit within the current squad mirrors what Norway once had at their peak. Players are eager to join up with the national team, committed to the project and motivated to push each other forward.
Criticism once centered around Norway’s tendency to overcomplicate their play, but now the team projects control, maturity and confidence. Years of Solbakken’s insistence on organisation — sometimes seen as inflexible — have begun to pay off just in time for their journey to the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.
Norway’s game model now blends meticulous coaching with emotional connection. The data supports the transformation — intense pressing, high recoveries, strong xG numbers — but there is also a palpable sense that a new chapter is being written.
From scepticism to belief
Former Norway and Tottenham goalkeeper Erik Thorstvedt told ESPN that Solbakken has built a “tremendous culture” inside the camp. The group has endured heavy criticism in past qualifying cycles, but that adversity has only strengthened them. With stars like Haaland and Ødegaard leading the way, Norway have finally positioned themselves among Europe’s emerging elite — and their long-awaited World Cup return feels like just the beginning.
