Norway’s World Cup record at a glance
Norway have qualified for four World Cups in total, with a best finish of the quarter-finals.
Their appearances came in 1938, 1994, 1998 and now 2026.
One quirk defines their history: across their first three tournaments, Norway never lost a World Cup match to anyone except Italy.
| Year | Host | Best result |
|---|---|---|
| 1938 | France | Round of 16 |
| 1994 | United States | Group stage |
| 1998 | France | Round of 16 |
| 2026 | USA, Canada & Mexico | Quarter-finals (campaign ongoing) |
Norway’s past World Cups: 1938, 1994 and 1998
Norway’s World Cup story began in 1938 and is remarkably short on defeats. Across their first three tournaments they lost only three matches, all to Italy.
Their best run before 2026 came in 1998, when they stunned Brazil 2-1 to reach the Round of 16 before falling to Italy. The full match-by-match record from those tournaments is below.
| Tournament | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1938 (Round of 16) | Norway vs Italy | Lost 1-2 (a.e.t.) |
| 1994 (Group) | Norway vs Mexico | Won 1-0 |
| 1994 (Group) | Norway vs Italy | Lost 0-1 |
| 1994 (Group) | Norway vs Rep. of Ireland | Drew 0-0 |
| 1998 (Group) | Norway vs Morocco | Drew 2-2 |
| 1998 (Group) | Norway vs Scotland | Drew 1-1 |
| 1998 (Group) | Norway vs Brazil | Won 2-1 |
| 1998 (Round of 16) | Norway vs Italy | Lost 0-1 |
The 2026 comeback: ending a 28-year wait
Norway sealed qualification on 16 November 2025 by thrashing Italy 4-1 at the San Siro in Milan, as reported by beIN Sports.
It was a near-perfect campaign. Norway won all eight of their UEFA Group I qualifiers, scoring 37 goals along the way.
Erling Haaland was the engine of it all. He scored 16 goals in qualifying, equalling Robert Lewandowski’s European qualifying record, per Al Jazeera.
The squad finally matches the talent. Manchester City’s Haaland and Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard now anchor a side many have tipped as potential dark horses at the finals.
Norway at the 2026 World Cup: group, fixtures and results
Norway were drawn in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Iraq, according to the latest standings.
Norway are now through to the quarter-finals after beating Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16.
They face England next, with a first-ever World Cup semi-final place at stake.
Haaland has carried his qualifying form into the finals. He scored a brace in both group games, reaching four goals in two matches, as Al Jazeera reported after the Senegal win.
Follow Norway’s team match schedule with our guide:
Norway Match at the 2026 World Cup: Full Schedule, Dates and Kick-off Times
Following Norway and planning your trip
Norway’s remaining matches are on the United States’ east coast, making Boston and New York the key hubs for travelling fans. You can compare fares using flights to Boston and flights to New York.
Both venues sit outside the city centre, so book accommodation early. Browse hotels in Boston and hotels in New York close to public transport links.
Fans flying in from Norway can check schedules from Oslo, while supporters connecting through the Gulf or South Asia can monitor their flights on the Wego flight tracker.
Match dates and kick-off times can move during the knockout stage, so confirm against the schedule before booking travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Norway played at the World Cup?
Norway have qualified for four World Cups: 1938, 1994, 1998 and 2026. Their best finish is the quarter-finals, reached in 2026.
When did Norway last reach the World Cup before 2026?
Norway last appeared at the 1998 World Cup in France. The 2026 tournament ends a 28-year absence from the finals.
What is Norway’s group at the 2026 World Cup?
Norway are in Group I with France, Senegal and Iraq. They have since reached the quarter-finals after beating Brazil in the Round of 16.
Has Norway ever beaten Brazil at the World Cup?
Yes. Norway beat Brazil 2-1 in the 1998 group stage and again in the 2026 Round of 16, the result that sent them into the quarter-finals.
Sources
- FIFA — Norway World Cup history, records and 2026 fixtures
- FIFA — World Cup 2026 standings and schedule
- UEFA — How Norway built their way back to the World Cup
- beIN Sports — Italy 1-4 Norway: Haaland double caps qualification
- Al Jazeera — Portugal and Norway book 2026 World Cup spots
- Al Jazeera — Haaland brace sends Norway past Senegal into knockouts
- ESPN — Norway 4-1 Iraq: Haaland scores brace on World Cup debut
- NBC Sports — Are Norway the dark horses at the 2026 World Cup?
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
