Norway returns to the World Cup after 27 years: Haaland and Ødegaard lead the resurrection

Norway Returns to the World Cup: Analysis of a Historic Qualification

After defeating Estonia 4-1 and then Italy with the same score, Norway secured their ticket to their first World Cup in 27 years. With world-class figures like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard in their ranks, the question that arises is: why did it take them so long to achieve it? Coach Ståle Solbakken, who was a midfielder on the Norway team that participated in the 1998 World Cup, has managed to give the team a new identity. “This generation has the same spirit and grit that we had,” commented Solbakken. “Everyone is eager to meet up with the national team, they believe in the project and care about others. There’s no point in talking about tactics if that team spirit isn’t generated.”

The Solbakken team, once criticized for overcomplicating things, now radiates control, optimism, and confidence, preparing for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Solbakken’s insistence on structure and style has finally paid off, transforming Norway into a meticulously trained and emotionally connected team.

“Solbakken has built a tremendous culture within the team. They have overcome many criticisms and that has undoubtedly made them stronger.”
Erik Thorstvedt

Norway returns to the World Cup after 27 years: Haaland and Ødegaard lead the resurrection — Noruega ha sido uno de los mejores equipos de Europa este año.

Success in the Nations League boosted Norway’s return to the World Cup. After a difficult period on the international stage, the turning point came during last autumn’s UEFA Nations League campaign. Although they suffered a defeat against Austria, they managed to come back and ascend to League A.

“That was the moment the players finally understood what Solbakken wanted… It felt like something new was happening. We had ‘won’ something. It was a big change; a few weeks earlier, Solbakken had been written off as useless, and many were calling for his head.”
Erik Thorstvedt

Since then, Norway, led by Ødegaard, has won 11 consecutive competitive matches, including victories over Italy and Israel. After the match against Israel, the opposing team’s coach, Ran Ben-Shimon, stated: “I think Norway is one of the two best teams in Europe, along with Spain”.

Contents

Norway Returns to the World Cup: Analysis of a Historic Qualification A Key Tactical Shift Haaland: The Example of a Team

The statistics back up this success. Norway has scored more goals and assists than any other European team in the qualifying phase, with a defense that seemed improbable for a team without an established goalkeeper. Solbakken has built this resurgence with patience, layer by layer.

“The key is that I have been able to work with a group that has felt increasingly comfortable with the way we want to play football. Perhaps I was a bit too ambitious at the beginning, but I realized that with the players available, and those who were coming, we needed to adopt a more offensive style.”
Ståle Solbakken

Thorstvedt sees this change as the moment Norway stopped fearing its rivals. Ødegaard’s evolution, the emergence of Antonio Nusa, and Haaland’s goalscoring ability have been crucial. A defining match was against Italy in Oslo, where Norway managed to defend with ball possession, controlling the game and conserving energy to attack. For Solbakken, this symbolizes the transformation of a team that previously panicked under pressure.

A Key Tactical Shift

Beyond the individual performance of Haaland and Ødegaard, Solbakken’s biggest advance has been structural. His team attacks more intelligently, going from being reactive to dominating possession. The 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 formation, ball circulation to attract the opposition, and bravery in possession are key characteristics.

“Technically, there are some similarities [with 1998], particularly in our zonal defensive organization, at a time when many teams prefer man-to-man systems. I think that gives us an advantage.”
Ståle Solbakken

The zonal defense, anchored by Kristoffer Ajer and Torbjørn Heggem, has strengthened the team. The presence of Sander Berge in midfield has also been fundamental. His box-to-box midfielder role complements Ødegaard’s precision, forming a dynamic midfield. Norway’s evolution is reflected in data such as regattas and progressive races. Solbakken acknowledges the influence of Oscar Bobb and Antonio Nusa in this offensive aspect.

Haaland: The Example of a Team

Haaland’s 16 goals in the qualifiers demonstrate his efficiency, but it’s his teamwork that highlights Solbakken’s approach. Thorstvedt believes that this tactical maturity has made Norway look complete.

“Solbakken’s role should not be underestimated… He masters both aspects. He is brutally honest and direct with the players.”
Erik Thorstvedt

Solbakken highlights the importance of “distances” in the game, which allow Ødegaard to find passes and Haaland to make his runs. The leadership of players like Ødegaard, Haaland, Berge and Alexander Sørloth has been key, creating a different team dynamic.

Norway’s success in the classification has been a long and arduous process, but Solbakken feels a great relief. “When I saw the results of the draw, I was almost sure that Italy would advance. But in the end, we were victorious, and we feel very proud. In this tournament, I set high standards for the players, and they have rewarded me generously. They have done an excellent job.”