Norway arrive at the 2026 World Cup for only the fourth time in their history, having previously appeared in 1938, 1994 and 1998. Their best finish is the round of 16, reached in both 1938 and 1998, and the 1998 campaign in France produced the moment most associated with Norwegian football: a two goals to one group stage victory over reigning world champions Brazil. That win remains one of the great upsets in tournament history, and Norway have never lost to Brazil in any senior international fixture.

Norway sealed their return to the World Cup on 11/16/25, beating Italy four goals to one at the San Siro in Milan to complete a perfect qualifying campaign. It ended a 28 year absence from the tournament. Their campaign was the most dominant in Europe: eight wins from eight matches, 37 goals scored, just five conceded. Erling Haaland netted 16 goals across the campaign, equalling Robert Lewandowski's record for goals in a single European qualifying cycle. Norway did not just scrape through; they overwhelmed every opponent they faced.