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 changed that. This was the first Norwegian side in a generation to reach the global finals, and it arrived with a front line capable of frightening almost anyone.

The 2026 World Cup gave Norway a serious Group I challenge. They opened against Iraq, then faced Senegal, before finishing against France. Iraq brought underdog pride and a long-awaited return story, Senegal brought power and African football pedigree, while France brought elite tournament quality. For Norway, the tournament was about proving that the Haaland and Ødegaard era could become more than potential, and a run to the quarter-finals, including another famous win over Brazil, did exactly that.

Iraq were Norway’s opening opponents and one of the tournament’s strongest comeback stories. The Lions of Mesopotamia were back at the World Cup for the first time in 40 years and played with pride, emotion and nothing to lose. Norway were favourites and won comfortably, 4-1.

Senegal brought power, pace and serious African football pedigree. The Lions of Teranga had World Cup knockout experience and a squad full of physical quality. This was the match that decided Norway’s route, and a 3-2 win secured second place in the group.

France were the headline opponent in Group I. With Kylian Mbappé and one of the deepest squads in the tournament, France were expected to top the group and did so with a 4-1 win over Norway in the final match, although Norway had already done enough to go through.

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 that returned 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.