Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard has been named captain of Norway’s 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
As reported by BBC Sport, the midfielder who recently led Arsenal to the Premier League title will captain a Norway side packed with attacking talent, including Erling Haaland, Oscar Bobb, and Jørgen Strand Larsen.
The squad announcement drew widespread attention after King Harald V unveiled the final list in a pre-recorded video shared on social media.
Uncapped goalkeeper Sander Tangvik earned a surprise call-up following an injury to Mathias Dyngeland, making him the only debutant in the squad. Former Russia Under-21 goalkeeper Nikita Haikin was unable to complete a nationality switch in time for selection.
Derby County defender Sondre Langås admitted the unusual announcement format left players uncertain until the very end.
“I didn’t trust it until the video was finished. I didn’t trust the King for a second,” he told NRK.
Norway will open their World Cup campaign against Iraq in Boston on June 16, before facing Senegal and France in the group stage.
The expanded 48-team tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Norway World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Orjan Haskjold Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford), Sander Tangvik (Hamburger SV).
Defenders: Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), David Møller Wolfe (Wolverhampton), Fredrik Bjørkan (Bodø/Glimt), Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford), Torbjørn Heggem (Bologna), Leo Skiri Østigård (Genoa), Sondre Langås (Derby County), Henrik Falchener (Viking).
Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal), Sander Berge (Fulham), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Patrick Berg (Bodø/Glimt), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Thelo Aasgaard (Rangers).
Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Alexander Sørloth (Atlético Madrid), Jørgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodø/Glimt).
