+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Norway

Norway news

Norway ratings

Welcome to the party, Erling! Haaland powers Norway past Iraq

Erling Haaland was the predictable protagonist as Norway picked up a crucial 4-1 victory over Iraq in their first World Cup match since 1998 on Tuesday. The Manchester City striker's first-half brace proved to be decisive, helping to ensure the dark horses made a winning start in Boston in the so-called 'Group of Death'.

World Cup breakout GFX

10 potential breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup

It's so close you can almost touch it. After years of build-up, the 2026 World Cup will kick-off on Thursday when co-hosts Mexico face off against South Africa in a repeat of the opening game from 2010. Over the next five-and-a-half weeks, records will be broken and legacies rewritten as a number of modern greats do battle to win the most recognisable trophy in all of sport.

World Cup new wave GFX

Yamal, Haaland & 10 stars making their World Cup debuts

We're now just hours away from the start of the 2026 World Cup, with teams currently making their final preparations ahead of the big kick-off in the United States, Mexico and Canada on Thursday. This is the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams having qualified, meaning there are a whole host of players making their first appearance on the global stage.

World Cup Golden Boot GFX

RANKED: Top 10 World Cup Golden Boot contenders

After years of build-up, the 2026 World Cup is almost upon us. The best players in the world have descended on the United States, Mexico and Canada with dreams of lifting the most prestigious trophy in global football ahead of the action getting under way in Mexico City.

World Cup dark horses GFX

GOAL writers predict the World Cup dark horses

It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just days away, with the best players from around the globe descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.

Spain vs Iraq - Friendlies

Explained: Why ALL squad players must join World Cup pre-match anthems

FIFA has announced a significant protocol modification that will see every squad member take part in the pre-match national anthems at the upcoming World Cup. Moving away from traditional sporting custom, football's global governing body has mandated that both starting line-ups and substitutes congregate together on the pitch ahead of kick-off.

mbappe

Palmer, Haaland and Mbappe star in new Nike World Cup film

Nike has unveiled its new "Rip the Script" campaign ahead of the 2026 World Cup, bringing together some of football's biggest names and global celebrities. Cole Palmer, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior headline the film, which promotes creativity and instinctive play while showcasing the brand's latest football innovations.

Erling Haaland Norway World Cup portrait GFX

Heeeere's Haaland! Erling ready to make up for lost time

Erling Haaland has openly embraced his reputation as the footballing equivalent of The Terminator. A few years ago, he even wished all of his followers on social media a 'Happy Haalandween' by sharing an image of himself portrayed as half-man and half-goal-scoring machine. However, to think of Haaland solely as a stone-cold killer in front of goal does a disservice to an emotional and colourful character who has never wanted anything but the best for his native Norway.

Martin Odegaard Arsenal 2025-26

Boring to amazing! Odegaard critics at Arsenal shock & surprise

Martin Odegaard has faced criticism at times over the last couple of seasons, but he is now a Premier League title winner at Arsenal and fellow countryman John Arne Riise has told GOAL why he is “shocked and surprised” that anybody has ever doubted an “amazing” talent. The Norway international remains a key cog in Mikel Arteta’s well-oiled machine at Emirates Stadium.

Erling Haaland Ballon d'Or

‘Sh*tload of goals’ - What Haaland needs for Ballon d’Or win

Erling Haaland has been informed of what he will require in order to become a Ballon d’Or winner, with John Arne Riise telling GOAL that the Manchester City superstar needs a “sh*tload of goals” before being recognised as the best player on the planet. The Norwegian striker has tended to deliver on that front, and has long been billed as a natural heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Ball-winning department.

Harry Kane Erling Haaland Bayern Munich Manchester City 2025-26

Haaland vs Kane: Riise answers ‘world’s best No.9’ question

Erling Haaland and Harry Kane are undoubtedly two of the finest and most prolific strikers in world football, but which of the Manchester City and Bayern Munich superstars can be considered the best No.9? Former Premier League star John Arne Riise has answered that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL and explained the thinking behind his decision.

FBL-NED-EREDIVISIE-SPARTA ROTTERDAM-ALKMAAR

The Dutch star has made it clear that the Moroccan Football Association has not yet approached him about representing the North African nation, yet he has left the door wide open f

Oufkir was in inspired form for the Windmills, delivering a performance that underlined his growing influence in the side. The midfielder, known for his composure and range of passing, controlled the tempo from the base of the midfield and provided the spark that ignited several dangerous attacks. His reading of the game disrupted opposition builds, while his quick distribution launched counter-attacks that kept the back line on high alert. Although the final scoreline did not reflect the dominance he helped create, his ability to dictate play and maintain possession earned him praise from coaches and supporters alike. As the Windmills look to build on this display, Oufkir’s continued development could prove crucial to their season-long ambitions.