Norway secured a 3-1 victory over Sweden in their final home warm-up match ahead of the 2026 World Cup on June 1 in Oslo [1, 2, 3, 4]. The home side surged to a 3-0 lead in the first half with two goals from Jorgen Strand Larsen and one from Antonio Nusa [1, 2, 3, 4]. Sweden pulled a consolation goal in the second half through Alexander Isak [1, 2, 3, 4].
Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who scored 16 goals in qualifying including five against Moldova and two versus Italy, watched from the stands due to injury or precautional rest [1, 5, 2, 3, 6, 4]. Despite his absence on the pitch, Norway's attack looked strong with key players like Haaland, Strand Larsen, Nusa, Alexander Sorloth, Oscar Bobb, and Andreas Schjelderup [5, 6].
Before kickoff, players were motivated by a video message from Norwegian skiing legend Petter Northug. Northug encouraged the team, saying, “Make me proud. Humble them. Incite them. It's okay to be a little on the edge.” Defender Leo Ostigard praised Northug’s impact, adding, “When the king speaks, he who has beaten Sweden so many times, you just have to follow up.” However, Northug later reminded fans, “Nobody will remember this game if Sweden go further than Norway in the World Cup. This was a friendly.” [1]
Norway captain Martin Odegaard, the midfield playmaker, faces fitness concerns heading into the tournament. There are also doubts over defensive fitness and rhythm for players Torbjorn Heggem, David Moeller Wolfe, and goalkeeper Orjan Nyland [5, 6]. These worries contrast with the attacking optimism voiced by Nusa, who said after the game, “I feel like we just have to keep doing what we've been doing for a long time now, just keep enjoying ourselves and it will be fun soon.” [1]
The win comes a day after Norway’s ice hockey team achieved their best-ever finish by winning a bronze medal at the World Ice Hockey Championship in Zurich on May 31 [1, 2, 3, 4].
Norway is drawn in Group I for the World Cup, alongside Iraq, Senegal, and France. Sweden competes in Group F with Tunisia, Japan, and the Netherlands [1, 2, 3, 4]. Norway will play their next World Cup warm-up match against Morocco in New Jersey on June 7 [1, 3, 4].
