It was a night for the history books – for better or worse.
FIFA managed the incredible: combining the World Cup draw, political theater and peace prize – all on the same stage.
When Donald Trump received the brand new “FIFA Peace Prize”, there was no standing ovation in the hall, only moderate clapping and a few people who smiled a little. The whole thing was simply a bit embarrassing.
And while the world press shook their heads, Ståle Solbakken sat waiting to find out who Norway would face in its first World Cup in 26 years.
The answer? France, Senegal – and the winner of the playoff between Iraq, Bolivia and Suriname.
Group I – France, Senegal, Norway and a wild card
France – number 3 in the FIFA rankings – hardly needs an introduction. Kylian Mbappé & co. are chasing their third World Cup gold and are among the big favorites in the tournament.
Senegal – number 19 – comes with its strongest squad ever, with star players spread across Europe.
And from pot 4, an unpredictable challenger awaits: the winner of the playoff between Iraq, Bolivia and Suriname.
– It will definitely be a tough group, says Norway's assistant Kent Bergersen.
Erling Braut Haaland says it in his own way:
– France and Senegal. It's tough.
Match schedule
June 16: Norway – Iraq/Bolivia/Suriname (New York/New Jersey or Boston)
June 22: Norway – Senegal (New York/New Jersey or Philadelphia)
June 26: Norway – France (Toronto or Boston)
This means Norway can open the World Cup at the final arena in New York/New Jersey – and finish against Mbappé & co.
"We can do this," says Drillo
Norway's former national team manager Egil "Drillo" Olsen has remained confident:
"We can do this," says Drillo, who followed the draw from the corner of the sofa.
"It could have been worse, but it could have been better."
Solbakken: – A bit of a bizarre draw
The national team manager himself admits that he lost track of time for a moment.
– The draw gets a bit bizarre at the end. When the opportunities become fewer, you have to throw a little here and there. I'll be honest and say that I missed once or twice, says Solbakken with a smile.
Norway was actually the last team to be drawn out of pot 3.
For a moment it seemed like we would end up with Portugal and Colombia, before the bullets rolled us into Group I – with France and Senegal.
A tough group – but not hopeless
Sportingly, it is one of the toughest groups Norway could have had, but also one with clear opportunities.
France is world class. Senegal is physical and unpredictable. But Norway has both pace, quality and goal flair enough to surprise.
Geographically, the draw is also positive: short distances, a favorable time zone and a pleasant climate – all on the east coast.
This is what Norway's road looks like
The top two from each group advance to the round of 16, along with the eight best third-placed teams.
If Norway wins the group, they will face a third-placed team in the first knockout round. If we finish second, we will likely face the second-placed team in Group E (Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast or Curaçao).
If Norway advances as group third, we could face group winners from A, B, D, G, L or K.
The full World Cup overview
- Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, playoff D (Denmark/North Macedonia/Czech Republic/Ireland)
- Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, playoff A (Italy/Northern Ireland/Wales/Bosnia)
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
- Group D: USA, Australia, Paraguay, playoff C (Turkey/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo)
- Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, playoff B (Ukraine/Sweden/Poland/Albania)
- Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
- Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, playoff 2 (Iraq/Bolivia/Suriname)
- Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, playoff 1 (DR Congo/Jamaica/New Caledonia)
- Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana
90minutefamily's review
This is not a dream group, but it is not a nightmare either.
France is at a completely different level than most, and Senegal are both physically strong and tactically smart – but they are not a team Norway should be complacent against.
The opening match against the playoff winner will be the key. There Solbakken and the boys must take three points and build the momentum that can carry them forward.
A point against Senegal and everything can still live.
We've seen many Norwegian national teams fear bigger names, but this team has enough quality to stand up to them. Haaland doesn't need many chances, Ødegaard controls the pace, and the defensive structure has taken big steps.
From a sporting perspective, this is a tough group – but also one that suits Norway.
Short travel distances, pleasant climate and the opportunity to open against manageable opposition mean that everything is in place for a proper World Cup adventure.
It's no longer about “just participating.”
Norway is actually going out and competing.
After 26 years, we are finally back.
And now the World Cup is about to be played. 🇳🇴
