Norway

Norway have a proud but stop-start World Cup history. Their strongest modern tournament came in 1998, when they reached the Round of 16 and famously beat Brazil in the group stage. That result remains one of the great moments in Norwegian football history and gave the country a World Cup memory that fans still talk about decades later.

After 1998, Norway endured a long absence from major tournaments, missing World Cup after World Cup despite producing talented players. The 2026 campaign changes that. This is the first Norwegian side in a generation to reach the global finals, and it arrives with a front line capable of frightening almost anyone.

The 2026 World Cup gives Norway a serious Group I challenge. They open against Iraq, then face Senegal, before finishing against France. Iraq bring underdog pride and a long-awaited return story, Senegal bring power and African football pedigree, while France bring elite tournament quality. For Norway, this tournament is about proving that the Haaland and Ødegaard era can become more than potential — it can become a proper World Cup story.

Iraq are Norway’s opening opponents and one of the tournament’s strongest comeback stories. The Lions of Mesopotamia are back at the World Cup for the first time in 40 years and will play with pride, emotion and nothing to lose. Norway will be favourites, but opening matches can become dangerous very quickly.

Senegal bring power, pace and serious African football pedigree. The Lions of Teranga have World Cup knockout experience and a squad full of physical quality. This could be the match that decides whether Norway are fighting for automatic qualification or relying on a third-place route.

France are the headline opponent in Group I. With Kylian Mbappé and one of the deepest squads in the tournament, France will be expected to top the group. Norway against France gives fans one of the great individual storylines of the group stage: Haaland and Ødegaard trying to drag Norway past one of world football’s modern superpowers.

Red, white and blue — Norway’s kit identity is clean, sharp and directly tied to the national flag. The red home shirt is the most recognisable look, often paired with white and navy details to create a classic Scandinavian national-team style.

For mystery shirt fans, Norway are one of the strongest World Cup pulls because the shirt carries both rarity and superstar appeal. This is a country returning after 28 years away, led by one of the most feared strikers in football and one of Europe’s best creative midfielders. A Norway shirt feels different, wearable and packed with story — exactly the kind of pull that makes a World Cup Mystery Shirt Box exciting.