Martin Ødegaard will captain Norway at this summer’s FIFA World Cup after being named in the country’s 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Arsenal midfielder, who recently led Arsenal FC to the Premier League title, headlines a Norway squad filled with attacking talent, including Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Oscar Bobb and Jørgen Strand Larsen.
Norway’s squad announcement drew widespread attention after King Harald V revealed the final list in a pre-recorded video shared on social media, an unusual move that quickly generated reactions from fans and players.
“I didn’t trust it until the video was finished,” defender Sondre Langås told Norwegian broadcaster NRK. “I didn’t trust the King for a second.”
The squad includes one surprise addition, with uncapped goalkeeper Sander Tangvik earning a call up following an injury to Mathias Dyngeland.
Tangvik is the only player without a senior international appearance in the squad after former Russia Under 21 goalkeeper Nikita Haikin was unable to complete a nationality switch before the tournament deadline.
For many Norwegian supporters, the focus remains on whether this generation can finally deliver on its promise at a major tournament.
Norway has spent years rebuilding its international reputation despite producing several players now competing in Europe’s top leagues. Ødegaard and Haaland, in particular, have become global football stars through the worldwide popularity of the English Premier League.
Ødegaard’s appointment as captain reflects both his experience and leadership growth after a career that began under intense global attention. Once regarded as one of football’s brightest teenage prospects, he has developed into one of Europe’s most respected midfielders.
Norway will open its World Cup campaign against Iraq in Boston on June 16 before facing Senegal and France in the group stage.
The expanded 48-team tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across North America.
