Nordic football will remain part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup story after both Norway and Sweden secured places in the tournament’s new Round of 32, giving Scandinavia two representatives in the knockout stage of the expanded 48-team competition.
The two nations reached the same destination through very different journeys. Norway impressed throughout the group stage, confirming qualification after victories over Iraq and Senegal before falling 4-1 to France in their final group match. Despite that defeat, Ståle Solbakken’s side finished as runners-up in Group I, booking their first World Cup knockout appearance since France 1998.
Sweden‘s route was considerably more dramatic. Graham Potter’s team recovered from a heavy defeat to the Netherlands by earning a crucial 1-1 draw against Japan. Anthony Elanga’s equaliser proved decisive, allowing Sweden to progress as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams under the new World Cup format.
Norway‘s revival has been driven by one of Europe’s most exciting attacking partnerships. Erling Haaland has continued his prolific international form, while captain Martin Ødegaard has orchestrated play from midfield, helping Norway return to football’s biggest stage after a 28-year absence. The campaign represents one of the country’s finest international performances since its memorable run at the 1998 World Cup.
Sweden, meanwhile, has demonstrated resilience rather than dominance. After a difficult group campaign, the Blågult showed the determination that has long characterised Swedish football. However, injuries to key defenders, including concerns over Isak Hien and Victor Lindelöf, could complicate their ambitions as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
The Round of 32 presents formidable challenges for both Scandinavian nations. Norway will face Ivory Coast in Dallas, with Brazil in the Round of 16 horizon, while Sweden takes on one of the tournament favourites, France, in New Jersey. On paper, Sweden faces the tougher assignment, with assistant coach Sebastian Larsson openly acknowledging that Les Bleus are deserved favourites. Nevertheless, he insists Sweden has “nothing to lose” and believes his players are capable of producing an upset.
Whatever the outcomes, the simultaneous presence of Norway and Sweden in the knockout stage underlines the growing strength of Nordic football. Norway has returned to the global elite behind a golden generation led by Haaland and Ødegaard, while Sweden has once again proved that tactical discipline and collective spirit can keep it competitive on the world’s biggest stage.
For football fans across Scandinavia, the knockout rounds now offer the possibility of something even more memorable: a deep World Cup run that could restore Nordic football to a level not seen for decades.
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