Eliteserien 2026: Now it's breaking loose!
One week left – expectations are boiling
It's been a long winter. Supporters have discussed transfer rumours, analysed friendly matches and argued about who really looks the strongest. Now the wait is almost over. In a few days, the 2026 Eliteserien kick off – and we've done what everyone loves to do before the first kick-off:
We have tipped the table.
9 writers. 144 placements. One answer.
Nine of our writers have gone through each team, assessing player rosters, coaches, finances and the winter transfer window. The result?
An overall table tip – based on the average of all nine ratings .
Some clubs are splitting the editorial board. Others seem to be surprisingly unanimous choices. And yes – there are both outsiders, medal candidates and teams we fear may have a tough season .
Big favorites – and potential shocks
Who will lift the trophy in November?
Who will take home medals?
And who will have to fight with their backs against the wall until the final round of the series?
Before the ball rolls in the Eliteserien 2026 , we present our big table tip.
Now the discussion begins
One thing is almost guaranteed:
When the season is over, we will see both brilliant hits – and some brutal misses .
But right now there is only one thing that matters:
Football is back. The Eliteserien starts. And here are our tips for 2026.
16. Kristiansund
City: Kristiansund
Stadium: Nordmøre Stadium
Head coach: Amund Skiri
2025 ranking: 13
Pros: Solid team.
Cons: Smaller squad than several competitors.
15. Start
City: Kristiansand
Stadium: Sparebanken Sør Arena
Head coach: Azar Karadaş
2025 ranking: 2 (OBOS league)
Pros: Commitment to the club.
Cons: Less elite league experience.
14. YMCA
City: Oslo
Stadium: KFUM Arena
Head coach: Johannes Moesgaard
2025 ranking: 12
Pros: Clear playing style and strong team.
Cons: Less experience at the top level.
13. Ham Comb
City: Hamar
Stadium: Briskeby
Head coach: Thomas Myhre
2025 ranking: 11
Pros: Good defensive structure.
Cons: Limited offensive power.
12. Aalesund
City: Ålesund
Stadium: Color Line Stadion
Head coach: Kjetil Rekdal
2025 position: Promotion via qualification
Pros: Experienced coach and solid structure.
Cons: Adaptation to the level.
11. Sarpsborg
City: Sarpsborg
Stadium: Sarpsborg Stadium
Head coach: Christian Michelsen
2025 ranking: 8
Pros: Offensive and energetic game.
Cons: Defensive stability can vary.
10. Sandefjord
City: Sandefjord
Stadium: Jotun Arena
Head coach: Andreas Tegström
2025 ranking: 5
Pros: Clear playing style and good team.
Cons: Less financial resources
9. Fredrikstad
City: Fredrikstad
Stadium: Fredrikstad Stadium
Head coach: Andreas Hagen
2025 ranking: 7
Pros: Strong team and good defensive structure.
Cons: Less offensive width.
8. Valerenga
City: Oslo
Stadium: Intility Arena
Head coach: Geir Bakke
2025 ranking: 9
Pros: Big club with great potential.
Cons: Instability in performance.
7. Lillestrom
City: Lillestrøm
Stadium: Åråsen Stadium
Head coach: Petter Myhre
2025 ranking: 1 (OBOS league)
Pros: Strong supporter base and physical playing style.
Cons: The transition to a higher level.
6. Tromso
City: Tromsø
Stadium: Romssa Arena (Alfheim)
Head coach: Jørgen Vik
2025 ranking: 3
Pros: Structured team and strong home statistics.
Cons: Smaller squad than the top teams
5. Rosenborg
City: Trondheim
Stadium: Lerkendal Stadium
Head coach: Alfred Johansson
2025 ranking: 6
Pros: Historical top club with great potential.
Cons: Uneven performance.
4. Molde
City: Molde
Stadium: Aker Stadium
Head coach: Martin Falk (interim, Sindre Tjelmeland (from May 24, 2026)
2025 ranking: 10
Pluses: Strong player base and experience.
Minuses: Varying form.
3. Fire
City: Bergen
Stadium: Brann Stadium
Head Coach: Freyr Alexandersson
2025 Ranking: 4
Pros: Strong home field and offensive playing style.
Cons: Can be vulnerable defensively.
2. Viking
City: Stavanger
Stadium: SR-Bank Arena
Coaches: Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim / Morten Jensen (tied)
2025 ranking: 1
Pros: Strong team and high offensive quality.
Cons: High expectation pressure after gold
1. Bodo Glimt
City: Bodø
Stadium: Aspmyra Stadium
Head coach: Kjetil Knutsen
2025 ranking: 2
Pros: Strong playing style, continuity, European Cup experience.
Cons: Many matches throughout the season.
It was as many others also believe, Bodø Glimt who run away with our favorite tip. They are simply too solid not to be favorites before the season starts. Do you want to read more about the Eliteserien. We have our own page dedicated to that. You can find it here!
