News Flash
Team Norway's Quest for 2026 World Cup Competition
Are You Ready for Some Fotball ! Norway’s Quest For 2026 World Cup Glory - By Carl Rasmussen, Vennliglad Editor
With the Winter Olympics completed, the main conversation and attention in Norway pubs and homes can now turn to the 2026 World Cup.Last Fall, the Norwegian “Landslaget” (National Soccer team) qualified for their first World Cup appearance in 28 years! This year the World Cup will be hosted across: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. With a total of 16 host cities, this should make the competition one of the most accessible World Cup tournaments for Norwegian Americans in history. No need to get up in the middle of the night! The matches will occur in all four U.S. time zones.
Our Jan-Feb Vennligblad described Norway’s National Team’s first match on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Boston’s Foxborough Stadium at 5 PM CDT. Readers were encouraged to mark their calendars for this event. This writer originally thought Norway’s June 16 match would be a “one and done” with the winner advancing and loser headed home. UFFDA!
Instead, the World Cup tournament begins with a “round-robin” play-in competition. To advance (or go home), Norway must first play two additional matches against two other national teams to determine their fate. So, my kind readers can also add Monday, June 22 at 7 p.m. CDT and Friday, June 26 at 2 PM CDT to your calendars for a total of three Norway’s first opponent (June 16) will be against the winner of a small play-in tournament between Bolivia, Suriname, and Iraq on March 26 and 31. Norway’s June 22 opponent will be Senegal, Africa in East Rutherford, NJ. Senegal is described as a “powerhouse known for their incredible speed and physical play.” Norway’s third opponent is the formidable France, winner of the 2018 World Cup and first runner-up champion in 2022. France is the heavy favorite in 2026 and arguably one of the three best teams in the world. It will be an early test of Norway’s strength. The June 26 match will be back in Boston. All games will be broadcast live on Fox TV.matches to watch!
With the Winter Olympics completed, the main conversation and attention in Norway pubs and homes can now turn to the 2026 World Cup.Last Fall, the Norwegian “Landslaget” (National Soccer team) qualified for their first World Cup appearance in 28 years! This year the World Cup will be hosted across: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. With a total of 16 host cities, this should make the competition one of the most accessible World Cup tournaments for Norwegian Americans in history. No need to get up in the middle of the night! The matches will occur in all four U.S. time zones.
Our Jan-Feb Vennligblad described Norway’s National Team’s first match on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Boston’s Foxborough Stadium at 5 PM CDT. Readers were encouraged to mark their calendars for this event. This writer originally thought Norway’s June 16 match would be a “one and done” with the winner advancing and loser headed home. UFFDA!
Instead, the World Cup tournament begins with a “round-robin” play-in competition. To advance (or go home), Norway must first play two additional matches against two other national teams to determine their fate. So, my kind readers can also add Monday, June 22 at 7 p.m. CDT and Friday, June 26 at 2 PM CDT to your calendars for a total of three Norway’s first opponent (June 16) will be against the winner of a small play-in tournament between Bolivia, Suriname, and Iraq on March 26 and 31. Norway’s June 22 opponent will be Senegal, Africa in East Rutherford, NJ. Senegal is described as a “powerhouse known for their incredible speed and physical play.” Norway’s third opponent is the formidable France, winner of the 2018 World Cup and first runner-up champion in 2022. France is the heavy favorite in 2026 and arguably one of the three best teams in the world. It will be an early test of Norway’s strength. The June 26 match will be back in Boston. All games will be broadcast live on Fox TV.matches to watch!
Two teams advance out of Group One: the winner and the first runner-up. If Norway wins it all or comes in second place, their next match will be in Philadelphia on June 29 or New Jersey on June 30. These will begin true knockout matches all the way to the final World Cup. Pencil these
two dates in as well! Norway would need to win four additional knockout games to reach the “winner take all” World Cup Champion match. Dates and locations for these matches are determined by which bracket a team enters. A total of 48 teams begin the June competition. After all first round- robins finish, 32 teams move forward. The tournament’s pinnacle, the World Cup Championship match will be Sunday July 19 in MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ at 2:00 PM (CDT) on Fox TV.
The World Cup is often referred to the "Super Bowl of soccer". Yet, while the Super Bowl is huge in the United States with roughly 120 million viewers, the final World Cup on July 19 will be watched by over 1.5 billion people! It is the only sporting event that truly stops the entire planet every four years!
Odds of Winning: So, what are the chances of Norway advancing to the World Cup final? Are we pinning hopes on our hearts instead of our heads? Are we primed for let down by committing emotional energy to an unrealistic goal?
Fear not. Though the 28-year wait has been a long one for many "Landslaget" supporters, the timing could not be better. A confluence of generational riches has emerged and is ready to make a showing. Historically, while Norway has not consistently fielded a top-tier team since the 1990’s, they currently are one of the most talked about teams in the world because they are entering the 2026 World Cup with their best squad in history. Norway’s
"Golden Generation" makes them a "dark horse" favorite.
During the grueling Cup qualification process, Norway famously won all eight of its matches handily. This includes a stunning 4-1 clincher against top-tiered Italy. Combined with a second match against Italy last June 2025, Norway did not just beat the Italians twice, they dismantled them 7 to 1 over two matches. Significantly, Norway’s eight- game qualifying win streak was part of a larger 11 game win streak. The first three wins of the streak included high score breakouts against solid teams 12 goals to 1.
The average age of the current Norwegian squad is approximately 26 years old. In the world of professional soccer, this is often considered the "statistical peak." It means the players have moved past the inexperience of youth, but have not yet hit the physical decline that comes in the early 30s.
While it takes a full squad to win, the following four players represent the heart, soul, and muscle of the "Golden Generation" of 2026 Landslaget. In the past, Norway usually had one or two "stars" supported by very hardworking, disciplined players. Norway 2026 has multiple players who are considered among the best in the world at their specific positions. They aren't just going to the World Cup to "take photos" — they are going with a realistic goal of reaching the Quarterfinals and beyond. This team is built on world-class attacking talent namely:
Erling Haaland “The Viking Striker” who plays for Manchester City, England, age 25; A 6’5” "Viking" who grew up in Bryne, Norway. He is currently the most feared goalscorer in the world, having shattered records in the English Premier League.
Martin Ødegaard Midfielder, “The Captain "Architect” Age: 27; who plays for Arsenal in North London, England. A child prodigy from Drammen who made his professional debut at age 15 and was signed by the legendary Real Madrid at just 16. He is the "engine room" of the team.
Oscar Bobb, Winger, “The Rising Spark” plays for Manchester City, England, age: 22. Born and raised in Oslo, Bobb’s journey took him from the local youth club to the prestigious Manchester City in England. If Haaland is the hammer, Bobb is the scalpel. A technical winger with dazzling "dancing" for his ability to weave through defenders in tight spaces. He represents the "new" Norway—creative, fearless, and world-class from a very young age.
Kristoffer Ajer Defender, “The Defensive Anchor” age: 27 plays for Brentford, West London, England. The defensive anchor who will be tasked with stopping the likes of France’s offense
Though France is the titan of Norway’s play-in group, Norway is widely expected to battle Senegal for the second-place spot and advance. As mentioned, in the World Cup 48 team format, the top two teams from each group and, the eight best third-place teams out of the 16, advance to the Round of 32. Of the other Nordic countries, Sweden and Denmark still have play-in matches March 31 against different teams. Both can reach Round of 48 with wins. Both the Iceland and Finland teams have already been eliminated. The United States, Canada, and Mexico are already part of the 48 team first round play since they are all host countries.
Whether you are a lifelong fan or just looking for a reason to wear your Norway Reds and wave the Norsk Flag, this summer promises to provide a long remembered Midsummer. Stay tuned for additional World Cup details in the May-June issue of Vennligblad as the excitement builds!
Heia Norge! (GO NORWAY! - Pronounced: Hey-ah Nor-geh)
two dates in as well! Norway would need to win four additional knockout games to reach the “winner take all” World Cup Champion match. Dates and locations for these matches are determined by which bracket a team enters. A total of 48 teams begin the June competition. After all first round- robins finish, 32 teams move forward. The tournament’s pinnacle, the World Cup Championship match will be Sunday July 19 in MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ at 2:00 PM (CDT) on Fox TV.
The World Cup is often referred to the "Super Bowl of soccer". Yet, while the Super Bowl is huge in the United States with roughly 120 million viewers, the final World Cup on July 19 will be watched by over 1.5 billion people! It is the only sporting event that truly stops the entire planet every four years!
Odds of Winning: So, what are the chances of Norway advancing to the World Cup final? Are we pinning hopes on our hearts instead of our heads? Are we primed for let down by committing emotional energy to an unrealistic goal?
Fear not. Though the 28-year wait has been a long one for many "Landslaget" supporters, the timing could not be better. A confluence of generational riches has emerged and is ready to make a showing. Historically, while Norway has not consistently fielded a top-tier team since the 1990’s, they currently are one of the most talked about teams in the world because they are entering the 2026 World Cup with their best squad in history. Norway’s
"Golden Generation" makes them a "dark horse" favorite.
During the grueling Cup qualification process, Norway famously won all eight of its matches handily. This includes a stunning 4-1 clincher against top-tiered Italy. Combined with a second match against Italy last June 2025, Norway did not just beat the Italians twice, they dismantled them 7 to 1 over two matches. Significantly, Norway’s eight- game qualifying win streak was part of a larger 11 game win streak. The first three wins of the streak included high score breakouts against solid teams 12 goals to 1.
The average age of the current Norwegian squad is approximately 26 years old. In the world of professional soccer, this is often considered the "statistical peak." It means the players have moved past the inexperience of youth, but have not yet hit the physical decline that comes in the early 30s.
While it takes a full squad to win, the following four players represent the heart, soul, and muscle of the "Golden Generation" of 2026 Landslaget. In the past, Norway usually had one or two "stars" supported by very hardworking, disciplined players. Norway 2026 has multiple players who are considered among the best in the world at their specific positions. They aren't just going to the World Cup to "take photos" — they are going with a realistic goal of reaching the Quarterfinals and beyond. This team is built on world-class attacking talent namely:
Erling Haaland “The Viking Striker” who plays for Manchester City, England, age 25; A 6’5” "Viking" who grew up in Bryne, Norway. He is currently the most feared goalscorer in the world, having shattered records in the English Premier League.
Martin Ødegaard Midfielder, “The Captain "Architect” Age: 27; who plays for Arsenal in North London, England. A child prodigy from Drammen who made his professional debut at age 15 and was signed by the legendary Real Madrid at just 16. He is the "engine room" of the team.
Oscar Bobb, Winger, “The Rising Spark” plays for Manchester City, England, age: 22. Born and raised in Oslo, Bobb’s journey took him from the local youth club to the prestigious Manchester City in England. If Haaland is the hammer, Bobb is the scalpel. A technical winger with dazzling "dancing" for his ability to weave through defenders in tight spaces. He represents the "new" Norway—creative, fearless, and world-class from a very young age.
Kristoffer Ajer Defender, “The Defensive Anchor” age: 27 plays for Brentford, West London, England. The defensive anchor who will be tasked with stopping the likes of France’s offense
Though France is the titan of Norway’s play-in group, Norway is widely expected to battle Senegal for the second-place spot and advance. As mentioned, in the World Cup 48 team format, the top two teams from each group and, the eight best third-place teams out of the 16, advance to the Round of 32. Of the other Nordic countries, Sweden and Denmark still have play-in matches March 31 against different teams. Both can reach Round of 48 with wins. Both the Iceland and Finland teams have already been eliminated. The United States, Canada, and Mexico are already part of the 48 team first round play since they are all host countries.
Whether you are a lifelong fan or just looking for a reason to wear your Norway Reds and wave the Norsk Flag, this summer promises to provide a long remembered Midsummer. Stay tuned for additional World Cup details in the May-June issue of Vennligblad as the excitement builds!
Heia Norge! (GO NORWAY! - Pronounced: Hey-ah Nor-geh)
Have you ever been on a Troll Hunt?
President Cheryl Wille-Schlesser and Connie Aiello went hunting for the newest troll in Wisconsin.
Designed by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.
Meet “ Mama Rosa”.
She is 24ft tall and made from locally sourced, recycled wood, including trees from Wauwatosa’s own parks.
She is located in located in Firefly Grove Park in Wauwatosa, WI (north of the Milwaukee Zoo)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Have you seen other trolls? There are more to be found in District 5 and worldwide. Troll Locator Map
Aullwood Audobon
Dayton, OH
Troll Hatch an Egg
Bo, Bodil, and Little Bibbi
https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Cheekwood Botanical Gardens
Nashville, TN
Save the Humans Exhibition
Rosa Sunflinger, Base Buller, Ibbi Pip, Kamma Can, Sofus Lotus, Ronja Reseye.
(Part of a traveling exhibition. Currently be dismantled and moving to CA)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Bernheim Forrest and Arboretum
Clermont, KY
Forest Giants
Little Nis, Little Elina, Mama Lou Mari
https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Designed by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.
Meet “ Mama Rosa”.
She is 24ft tall and made from locally sourced, recycled wood, including trees from Wauwatosa’s own parks.
She is located in located in Firefly Grove Park in Wauwatosa, WI (north of the Milwaukee Zoo)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Have you seen other trolls? There are more to be found in District 5 and worldwide. Troll Locator Map
Aullwood Audobon
Dayton, OH
Troll Hatch an Egg
Bo, Bodil, and Little Bibbi
https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Cheekwood Botanical Gardens
Nashville, TN
Save the Humans Exhibition
Rosa Sunflinger, Base Buller, Ibbi Pip, Kamma Can, Sofus Lotus, Ronja Reseye.
(Part of a traveling exhibition. Currently be dismantled and moving to CA)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Bernheim Forrest and Arboretum
Clermont, KY
Forest Giants
Little Nis, Little Elina, Mama Lou Mari
https://maps.app.goo.gl/
