Norway enters a World Cup year with higher expectations than in a long time. The attack is world-class, the midfield is at the top of the international level, and the team has players who start matches for some of Europe's biggest clubs. But behind the offensive optimism lies a weakness that could prove fatal when it really comes down to it: the goalkeeping position.
Because while Norway looks like a team that belongs on the biggest stage, national team manager Ståle Solbakken has a problem at the back that cannot be solved with nice words and good intentions.
Norway's first-choice goalkeeper, Ørjan Nyland, is injured. At the same time, he is not playing regularly for his club team, Sevilla FC. It's not just unfortunate timing – it's a direct risk factor for a team that will be measured against the world's best during the summer.
World class ahead – uncertainty behind
Norway has spent years building a team around offensive quality. It has succeeded. Few national teams can show the same individual level at the top and in the midfield. There, Norway is fully on par with the best.
The picture is different from the back.
The goalkeeping position in particular stands out. Because in international football, it is often not the attack that decides the championship – it is who makes the fewest mistakes. And in the goalkeeping position, the margin for error is merciless.
A goalkeeper without match training is a serious warning sign
The role of a goalkeeper is unique. An outfield player can be rusty and work his way into the game. A striker can miss one chance and get another. A goalkeeper rarely gets that luxury. Lack of match training is not just about form, but about timing, confidence and decision-making – and at World Cup level everything is punished.
This is not about trust.
It's about reality.
Routine is not enough when the level is turned up
Nyland has been Solbakken's clear first choice over time, and his experience is indisputable. But when Norway is facing teams that punish the slightest hesitation, it's not enough to be safe in the locker room. You have to be sharp in the match.
The Seville situation that makes the problem bigger
In Sevilla, Nyland has lost his first-choice spot, and his playing time has been minimal for a long time. The injury he is currently struggling with makes the situation even worse. The January transfer window offers no guarantees, and the market is merciless for goalkeepers without form.
This is not a problem that will “fix itself.” It is a problem that grows the closer you get to the World Cup.
Solbakken's biggest dilemma before the summer
Thus, Solbakken is faced with one of his most difficult choices as national team manager:
Should he stick to routine, or prioritize match form – even if it means making an unpopular choice?
Behind Nyland are alternatives like Egil Selvik and Mathias Dyngeland. They lack status and championship routine, but they have one decisive advantage: they play matches. In a World Cup year, that's a weighty argument.
This is not a problem Norway can afford in a World Cup
Norway has a team that can make an impact internationally. But then everyone has to keep up the level. Going into a World Cup with uncertainty in the goalkeeping position is inviting problems – no matter how good the attack is.
The goalkeeping crisis may not be making headlines yet,
but in a World Cup year, it's more than a concern.
It is a crisis Norway must take seriously – now.
