Norway is becoming the most exciting phenomenon at the 2026 World Cup in North America. After dethroning Brazil with a dramatic 2-1 victory, coach Stale Solbakken's team is aiming for another historic milestone: defeating England in the quarter-finals at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Underdog status and a never-give-up spirit
Captain Martin Odegaard, the heart and soul of Norway's game, is in superb form with 3 assists in 4 matches. The Arsenal midfielder understands the strength of his opponents, but he also affirms his belief in his team's ability to spring a surprise.
"We know their quality. They are world- class players playing for one of the strongest teams right now," Odegaard told ESPN. "However, we were the underdogs when we faced Brazil, and everyone saw the result. In football, anything can happen."
Norway's confidence is not unfounded. Erling Haaland's brace against Brazil proved that Norway possesses a weapon capable of punishing any defensive errors, even those made by world-class stars.
The advantage of knowing the Premier League.
One of the key factors contributing to Norway's confidence is familiarity. The majority of the Nordic team's key players are competing in the Premier League, meaning they are well-acquainted with the playing style of Thomas Tuchel's team.
Odegaard emphasized: "Many of us play football in England, so we're quite familiar with them. We face these players every week at club level. The most important thing is collective strength and self-belief."
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice will be key for Norway to establish an effective counter-attacking system, similar to how they stifled the Samba dancers.
Overcoming logistical challenges
Ahead of the big match, the Norwegian national team experienced a turbulent period regarding logistics. After checking into the Dalmar Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, the players reacted strongly to the fact that their accommodation was located right next to a noisy construction site.
To ensure the best possible focus and physical recovery for the stars, the team's management had to quickly change their accommodation. Despite some inconvenience, the team's morale remains at its highest before traveling to Miami to face England.
The quarter-final match between Norway and England promises to be a tense battle of wits between a team in high spirits and a strong title contender. With Odegaard controlling the tempo and Haaland poised to score, Norway has every right to dream of reaching the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history.