#49
FIFA Ranking
3
WC Appearances
Round of 16
Best Finish
1998
Last World Cup
Road to the 2026 World Cup
Norway secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the Europe qualification pathway. As a UEFA representative, they were among 16 teams from their confederation to earn a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Currently ranked #49 in the FIFA World Rankings, Norway enters the tournament as a underdog team with expectations to compete at the highest level. With 3 previous World Cup appearances, they bring valuable tournament experience.
Group I Analysis
Norway has been drawn in Group I and will face three opponents in the group stage. Each team plays 3 matches, with the top 2 advancing automatically and 8 best third-place teams also qualifying for the Round of 32.
Group I Opponents
France
FIFA Ranking: #2 • Elite opponent
Senegal
FIFA Ranking: #17 • Strong opponent
Intercontinental Playoff 2
Unranked • Unknown opponent
Group I Fixtures for Norway
Match 18
Jun 16, 2026
Intercontinental Playoff 2
vs.
Norway
Gillette Stadium, Boston
Match 36
Jun 22, 2026
Norway
vs.
Senegal
MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey
Match 59
Jun 26, 2026
Norway
vs.
France
Gillette Stadium, Boston
Tournament Outlook
Realistic Expectations
Compete hard in every match and aim to pick up points. Finishing third with a chance at advancement or causing an upset would exceed expectations.
Best-Case Scenario
Pull off surprising results and sneak into the knockout stage as a third-place qualifier. World Cups reward teams that fight until the final whistle.
Key Challenges
Facing technically superior opponents and managing the physical demands of tournament football. Staying organized defensively while creating goal-scoring opportunities will be key.
Can Norway Win the World Cup?
Norway faces long odds to win the World Cup, but the beauty of tournament football is that any team can have their moment. The expanded 48-team format gives more nations the opportunity to compete and potentially cause upsets.
For Norway, success in 2026 means competing with pride, gaining valuable experience, and potentially picking up points or even advancing from the group stage. Every journey starts somewhere, and participation in the World Cup is a significant achievement in itself.
World Cup History
Norway has appeared in 3 FIFA World Cup tournaments, demonstrating their status as a consistent qualifier on the global stage.
Their best result was Round of 16, representing their peak performance at the World Cup to date.
They last competed in the 1998 World Cup. Their return to the World Cup stage in 2026 marks a significant moment for the nation.
Having competed in several World Cups, Norway has developed a tournament pedigree that will serve them well in 2026.
Predict Norway's Tournament Journey
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does Norway play at World Cup 2026?▾
Norway will play their first group stage match on June 16, 2026 against Intercontinental Playoff 2. All three group stage matches will be completed by late June 2026, with knockout stage dates depending on their final group position.
Who is in Group I with Norway?▾
Norway has been drawn into Group I alongside France, Senegal and Intercontinental Playoff 2. Each team will play three matches in the group stage, with the top 2 teams automatically advancing to the Round of 32 and the 8 best third-place teams also qualifying.
What is Norway's best World Cup finish?▾
Norway's best World Cup finish is Round of 16. They will be looking to improve on this result at the 2026 tournament.
Can Norway win the World Cup 2026?▾
While Norway faces long odds to win the tournament outright, football is known for its surprises. Their realistic goal for 2026 is to advance from the group stage and gain momentum in the knockout rounds. Success builds over time, and a strong showing in 2026 could set the foundation for future World Cup campaigns. Every underdog story starts somewhere.