FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
By NRK- AI Chat-T.Chr.-Human Synthesis-10 July 2026
Original - Edvin Strømme - NRK- Journalist-Miami-Published 10 July 2026
After going through qualification without any major problems, the Norwegian men's national team has once again reached a championship. And it had been 28 years since Norway last qualified for a major tournament. On Sunday night, it came to an end after a World Cup that had captivated football fans across Norway, ending with a heroic defeat in a historic World Cup quarter-final.
The championship has left a deep mark on Norway's biggest star, Erling Braut Haaland. These are the best six weeks I've had, maybe in my entire life. It's completely surreal. It's hard to take it in now. I'm a bit at a loss for words, Haaland told NRK after the 1-2 loss to England.
"Of course it is. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved here in the USA. We are first-timers, the whole group, and we've come so close to being among the four best teams in the world. There are a lot of emotions in the dressing room—you feel so much. You're proud, but also disappointed. It's all of that," says David Møller Wolfe.
"We Are Going to Win the European Championship"
This autumn, Norway will once again set out on its campaign. The road to the European Championship in Great Britain begins on 24 September, with a home match against Denmark.
In the Nations League, Norway will also face Portugal and Wales, in addition to Denmark. After this World Cup, Norway must be considered one of the favorites in the group, together with Portugal.
Already now, Norwegian supporters have begun to dream. After the quarter-final defeat on Sunday night, thousands of proud fans gathered in front of the palace, following tradition, to cheer the team. There they also began chanting:
"We are going to win the European Championship!"
Is that a consolation?
"I think that's how all of us feel. What we've been part of here has been absolutely enormous. It has been an adventure from beginning to end. It's fantastic to have been part of everything that has happened. Seeing the scenes in Norway on my phone—it's completely indescribable," he told the Norwegian press.
"I don't think anyone could have imagined just how well it would turn out," he continued.
Once again, the Norwegian people will therefore be left with a huge defeat against Brazil as their strongest World Cup memory, this time in a playoff match.
Of course we are very proud of what we have done. The whole championship, today again shows that we really have a high level inside, captain Martin Odegaard tells NRK. Oedegaard says he feels that what they have been through has changed Norway and him.
I think we all feel that. What we have been through here has been absolutely enormous. It has been an adventure from start to finish. It is fantastic to be part of everything that has happened. If you look at the totality tomorrow, you will see how far you have come, and what a fantastic adventure story this has been, reflects Sander Berge.
This is the best journey I've had in my football life, with these guys and that group. There's no one else you'd do it with. Seeing the whole country live with it and feel the joy, it's been the best, he continues. The national football team has created a sense of community, hope, expectations and a festive atmosphere throughout the country. Norway has had World Cup fever since the first match against Iraq on the night of June 17.
Rowing and a recurring Viking theme have also captivated the international audience, who will probably miss Haaland and co. in the semi-final. - Haaland used up his last fighting strength in the quarter-final loss, and
had to be substituted in extra time.
A rare time this World Cup, the star striker went off the field without a goal.
Thus, he became the seventh goal scorer in his championship debut for the Norwegian national team, in Norway's first World Cup participation, for men, in 28 years.
