Excitement is growing in Norway as optimism builds around the national team’s prospects of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their performances in the qualifying series have been excellent so far, and supporters are beginning to believe that the long wait for a return to the finals may soon come to an end.
After four matches, Norway sit at the top of Group I, having won every game to date. Their next fixture comes against Moldova, a match many expect them to win given their current form. With Israel and Italy also in the group, the competition is far from straightforward, yet Norway have already shown their strength by defeating Italy in their first meeting.
Norwegian Fans Begin to Dream
The strong start to the campaign has fuelled optimism among the supporters, some of whom have already begun making plans to travel to the United States for the finals. The sense of confidence is understandable given the results so far, but it also carries the risk of overlooking the challenges still ahead. Qualification campaigns are often unpredictable, and the players are determined to maintain their focus until the task is complete.
While fans are free to dream, the squad remain fully aware of the importance of concentration and consistency. The message from within the camp is that nothing has been achieved yet, and that each match must be approached with the right mindset.
Ødegaard’s Call for Focus
Captain Martin Ødegaard has underlined the need for caution and discipline in the coming fixtures. Speaking to TV2, he remarked, “We know that anything can happen in football. Every game has its own life. We have to be there, but keep our feet firmly planted on the ground. Then you can talk about probability and those things. First and foremost, we have to win on Tuesday; that’s the only focus we have.”
Ødegaard’s comments reflect the leadership he brings to the team, balancing optimism with realism. While the path to the World Cup may look promising, his reminder serves as a valuable perspective. Norway’s players know that every fixture must be earned on the pitch, and only by keeping their focus can they ensure the dream of reaching the 2026 finals becomes a reality.