Martin Ødegaard has been named captain of Norway’s 26-man squad for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
The Arsenal midfielder, who recently led Arsenal F.C. to the Premier League title, will captain a Norway side filled with attacking talent, including Erling Haaland, Oscar Bobb and Jørgen Strand Larsen.
Norway’s squad announcement attracted attention after Harald V revealed the final squad through a pre-recorded video shared on social media.
Goalkeeper Sander Tangvik received a surprise call-up after Mathias Dyngeland suffered an injury. Tangvik is the only uncapped player included in the squad after former Russia Under-21 goalkeeper Nikita Haikin failed to complete his nationality switch before the tournament deadline.
Speaking after the announcement, defender Sondre Langås admitted players were unsure about the final squad until the video ended.
“I didn’t trust it until the video was finished. I didn’t trust the King for a second,” the Derby County defender told NRK.
Norway will begin their World Cup campaign against the Iraq national team in Boston on June 16 before facing Senegal and France in the group stage.
The expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19.
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Norway’s World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers:
Orjan Haskjold Nyland, Egil Selvik, Sander Tangvik.
Defenders:
Julian Ryerson, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, David Moller Wolfe, Fredrik Bjorkan, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, Leo Skiri Ostigard, Sondre Langas, Henrik Falchener.
Midfielders:
Martin Ødegaard, Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes, Patrick Berg, Kristian Thorstvedt, Morten Thorsby, Thelo Aasgaard.
Forwards:
Erling Haaland, Alexander Sorloth, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb, Andreas Schjelderup, Jens Petter Hauge.
