Norway must improve for World Cup push after Nations League promotion
Norway’s head coach, Stale Solbakken, celebrated his team’s promotion to Nations League Group A after a commanding 5-0 win over Kazakhstan on Sunday. However, he stressed that the team must improve if they hope to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The match saw Erling Haaland shine with a hat-trick, but Norway’s promotion was sealed moments later in Vienna when Slovenia’s Adam Gnezda Cerin scored a late equalizer against Austria. The 1-1 draw meant Norway topped Group B3 with 13 points, two ahead of Austria, earning a spot in Group A of the Nations League.
Despite the success, Solbakken emphasized that there’s room for growth. “We have great potential, but qualifying for the World Cup will require improvements in several areas,” he told Norwegian newspaper VG. “We need to defend better, especially under pressure. It’s not enough to win the group; we have to address our weaknesses.”
The 56-year-old coach, who has hinted this World Cup campaign could be his last attempt to lead Norway to a major tournament, praised the team’s unity and resilience.
“The culture within this group is incredibly strong. Everyone works together and stays focused, even when things don’t go our way. Winning the group and reaching Group A should boost our confidence,” Solbakken added.
The draw for Europe’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers will take place on December 13, with matches beginning in March.
