2026 FIFA World Cup

12 spots taken up by keepers and defenders
every country has to pick 3 goalkeepers

that means 9 spots taken up by defenders

normally 4 defenders play, so if you get cover for each defender that's 8 defenders in total

9 defenders is hardly extravagant under the circumstances especially if you want to fully rotate your team in your last group game to rest players if you have already qualified for the round of 32 by then
 
Norway squad is decent

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

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

Midfielders: Thelonious Aasgaard (Rangers), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt), Sander Berge (Fulham), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodo/Glimt)

Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace)
 
Norway squad is decent

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

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

Midfielders: Thelonious Aasgaard (Rangers), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt), Sander Berge (Fulham), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodo/Glimt)

Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace)
Thelonius Aasagard, a fine Viking name. Born in Liverpool, father was principal cellist at the Liverpool Phil for 20 years.
 

Welcome

Join the Everton conversation today.
Fewer ads, full access, completely free.

🛒 Visit Shop

Support Grand Old Team by checking out our latest Everton gear!
Back
Top