Ødegaard dismisses worry as Norway's World Cup begins

Ødegaard: 'I don't know what you're worried about'

Martin Ødegaard is not interested in the doubts. Speaking ahead of Norway's World Cup opener, the captain brushed off concerns about the team's form. "I don't know what you're worried about," Ødegaard said, in a pointed message to the press (2). The 1–1 draw with Morocco raised questions about defensive organisation and how long Norway can sustain their pressing game. Your captain sees it differently.

Solbakken shuts down injury noise

Ståle Solbakken met the media in Greensboro on Sunday evening alongside Ødegaard and dismissed injury speculation outright. "There's so much rubbish now," Solbakken said, rejecting the swirling rumours ahead of the tournament (4). No new concerns were confirmed.

World Cup kicks off against Iraq

Norway's World Cup begins with a match against Iraq (1). The opening fixture is the moment everything has been building toward. Solbakken has work to do after the Morocco friendly exposed a side that starts fast but fades physically. Ødegaard's creativity remains the engine of this team, and the reliance on him isn't going anywhere.

The Aursnes-Haaland connection

Fredrik Aursnes knows Erling Braut Haaland better than most. Back in their Molde days, Aursnes was the steady presence who helped a young Haaland settle as a raw striker (3). Both Benfica-based now, that understanding could matter in tight moments when Norway need a goal. A small detail that might prove quietly important.

TV sales surge as World Cup fever hits

Norwegians are rushing to buy TVs ahead of the World Cup (5). Haaland and Ødegaard leading the country onto football's biggest stage has captured something beyond the usual football crowd. The whole nation is tuning in. No pressure.