Norway has been drawn into Group I alongside France, Senegal, and one of three teams advancing from the intercontinental play-offs (Bolivia, Suriname, or Iraq). The draw took place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC, US, on 5/12.

The most anticipated match in the group will see Norway face 2018 World Cup champions France. If both players feature, this encounter would mark the first time Haaland clashes with Kylian Mbappe in a national team fixture.

Erling Haaland celebrates his second goal in Norway's 4-1 victory over Italy during the final match of Group I in the European qualifiers for the World Cup 2026, held at San Siro, Milan, Italy on 16/11. Photo: AFP

Following the ceremony, Haaland shared a brief comment on Snapchat: "Difficult group". The Norwegian striker did not attend the event in the US as he was with Man City for their Premier League match against Sunderland on 6/12.

In contrast, coach Stale Solbakken expressed confidence in Norway's progression, even suggesting they could top the group. "France and Senegal are strong teams", he said. "We can beat Senegal and Bolivia, and if we perform at our best, we can earn points against France. This spirit is what we must maintain as we enter the tournament".

Football expert Trond Johannessen offered his assessment to VG: "This is a tough group. It could have been better, it could have been worse. France is a top team, having been champions and runners-up in the last two World Cups. Senegal is more unpredictable, but there are no easy wins for Norway".

Former coach Nils Johan Semb viewed the draw as a positive outcome for Norway. "Of course, there are other groups Norway might have preferred, but there were also extremely difficult groups that we were fortunate to avoid", he stated.

Assistant coach Kent Bergersen told TV 2: "This is definitely a difficult group", while expert Simen Stamso Moller commented: "France is one of the strongest teams in the world, and Senegal is one of their strongest versions".

Haaland celebrates with coach Stale Solbakken after securing qualification for the World Cup 2026. Photo: VG

Haaland and his teammates recently concluded a historic qualifying campaign, topping Group I of the European World Cup 2026 qualifiers with 24 points from 8 matches. They will participate in the World Cup for the first time since 1998, when players like Tore Andre Flo, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and the current coach Stale Solbakken were part of the squad.

Norway is currently considered to possess a "Golden Generation". In addition to Haaland, the squad features Martin Odegaard, Arsenal's captain, along with other notable talents such as Sander Berge (Fulham), Alexander Sorloth (Atletico), Ola Solbakken (formerly played for Roma, Olympiacos), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), and Oscar Bobb (Man City).

Hong Duy (according to VG)