Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard played 80 minutes for Norway during their World Cup warm-up match against Morocco in New Jersey on Sunday.
The 27-year-old had a difficult 2025/26 season with the Gunners due to numerous injuries and made his first international appearance since September last year.
Odegaard, like his teammates, struggled against Morocco in the scorching heat at the Sports Illustrated Stadium, but he eventually made his mark in the friendly.
Morocco had a deserved 1-0 lead heading into the final quarter of the game. Odegaard equalised in the 75th minute from a lovely cutback by Oscar Bobb from the right flank.
The Gunners skipper was soon substituted, but he had a good outing in the end. The midfielder came off the field with a passing accuracy of 90 percent (35/39).
After the draw, Norway’s leading outlet Verdens Gang (VG) said Odegaard needs more time to adapt, but he looked good physically and has a week to get better.
They wrote: “Odegaard’s comeback after nine months out showed that he needs more time to get into the team. The consolation is that he looked good physically, that he has about a week to get better and that he got a boost with his fifth international goal.”
Meanwhile, regional outlets Adresseavisen and Norsk rikskringkasting AS (NRK) were also appreciative. The former acknowledged that Odegaard saved Norway after a shock start against Morocco, while the latter described him as a leader who has so much quality.
“Odegaard saved Norway after a shock start in World Cup dress rehearsal: Fantastic learning. Martin Odegaard showed that World Cup form may be on the way and ensured a 1-1 draw in the tough match against Morocco, nine days before it breaks loose against Iraq.” – Adresseavisen
“Odegaard’s goal is important for both him and his teammates. He is a leader who has so much quality. That match today shows that he needed these minutes. He is running better.” – NRK
Odegaard managed less than 2,000 minutes of regular playing time for Arsenal last term. He still made his mark with one goal and eight assists – the last of those was for the winning league goal at West Ham United.
Manager Mikel Arteta handled Odegaard cautiously during the backend of last season due to a nagging knee problem, but he now appears fully fit as Norway return to the World Cup after a length wait of 28 years.
Odegaard and Erling Haaland are undoubtedly the star performers for Norway and the understanding between the duo could be key if the country aim to progress beyond the group stage and spring a surprise.
Stats from Sofascore.com & Transfermarkt.com