Odegaard named captain as King of Norway announces squad

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is named captain of Norway's 26-man squad for this summer's World Cup.

Matchday Global21 May 2026

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Erling Haaland (left) and Martin Odegaard (right) helped Norway to a first World Cup since 1998

Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard has been named captain of Norway's 26-man squad for this summer's World Cup.

The newly crowned Premier League winner is joined by Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Fulham's Oscar Bobb and Crystal Palace forward Jorgen Strand Larsen.

A unique squad announcement was delivered by the King of Norway via a pre-recorded video on social media., external

Uncapped Hamburg goalkeeper Sander Tangvik makes the squad after a final sign-off from the monarch.

The 23-year-old's inclusion as the only uncapped player in the squad comes after an injury to SK Brann's Mathias Dyngeland, while a request to switch the nationality of former Russia Under-21 keeper Nikita Haikin was not approved.

"I didn't trust it [the squad] until the video was finished. I didn't trust the King for a second," Derby County defender Sondre Langas, who is included, told national broadcaster NRK.

Norway open their World Cup campaign in Boston against Iraq on 16 June, followed by games against Senegal and France.

The expanded 48-team competition in the US, Canada and Mexico runs from 11 June to 19 July.

Goalkeepers: Orjan Haskjold Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford), Sander Tangvik (Hamburger SV).

Defenders: Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), David Moller Wolfe (Wolverhampton), Fredrik Bjorkan (Bodo/Glimt), Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Leo Skiri Ostigard (Genoa), Sondre Langas (Derby County), Henrik Falchener (Viking).

Midfielders: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Sander Berge (Fulham), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Thelo Aasgaard (Rangers).

Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodo/Glimt).

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