Norway is back in the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years. The national team secured its spot in the expanded tournament, ending a drought that began after the 1998 France edition. The breakthrough comes as the global event grows to 48 teams, a shift that could reshape the sport's competitive landscape.
The long road back
Norway's last World Cup appearance was in 1998, when the team reached the Round of 16. Since then, the country has missed five consecutive tournaments. The 28-year gap is the longest for any European nation currently qualified. Players and staff described the qualification as a relief after years of near-misses. The team clinched its berth with a decisive victory in its final qualifying match, though details of the opponent were not provided.
Haaland in the spotlight
Erling Haaland, Norway's star striker, featured prominently in a FIFA World Cup game event held in New York. The event showcased the upcoming tournament's official video game and included appearances from other international players. Haaland's presence in New York underscores his global profile and the marketing push around the expanded World Cup. For Norway, his form has been critical — the Manchester City forward's goals helped drag the team over the line in qualifying.
Expanded tournament offers new hope
The 2026 World Cup will be the first with 48 teams, up from 32. FIFA has promoted the expansion as a way to give smaller footballing nations a chance to compete on the biggest stage. Norway's qualification is a case in point: the country has a population of just 5.5 million and has struggled to consistently break into football's elite. The larger field may also open doors for other historically overlooked teams from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Critics have questioned whether the expansion dilutes quality, but for countries like Norway, it's a lifeline.
The exact dates and location of the 2026 World Cup haven't been finalized, but the tournament is expected to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Norway now waits to learn its group-stage opponents in the draw later this year.
