Norway has been a strong contender in the qualifying rounds for World Cup 2026, but to succeed in the tournament, the Lions need to fine-tune several tactical aspects of their game. In recent matches, the team's setup has proven to be both flexible and dynamic, but certain areas could be improved to fully leverage the squad's strengths.

Defensive Structure

One of the most notable aspects of Norway's play is their defensive structure. The Lions have often employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing the team to remain compact in the midfield while also having width in attack. However, a challenge has been maintaining pressure while keeping a solid defensive line. To improve this, it may be beneficial to adjust the movements of the two defensive midfielders. By instructing them to be more aggressive in their pressing, the team can create more turnovers higher up the pitch, leading to increased goal-scoring opportunities.

Midfield Control

In terms of the midfield, it is essential for the Lions to find a better balance between defensive stability and offensive creativity. Sander Berge has been a key player for the team, but there is room to include a more attacking midfielder alongside him. This could create a triangular movement among the midfielders, providing more passing options and opening up the opponent’s defense. A possible solution could be to allow a player like Martin Ødegaard to take on more creative responsibilities, thus giving the team’s attack a much-needed boost.

Attacking Strategy

In attack, the Lions have relied heavily on Erling Haaland for goals, but to become more unpredictable, they need to diversify their attacking strategy. One approach could be to incorporate width by using the wingers more actively. This may involve pushing both the right and left backs forward to create overloads on the flanks. This would provide Haaland with more space to operate in the box while forcing opponents to adapt to Norway's style of play.

Conclusion

To achieve success in World Cup 2026, the Lions must evaluate and adjust their tactical approach. By focusing on improvements in pressing, midfield structure, and attacking strategies, the team can position itself strongly to compete at the highest level. With talented players like Haaland and Berge in the squad, it is clear there is room for growth and development, and with the proposed tweaks, Norway could become a real threat in the tournament.