A top finish in this autumn's Nations League could lay the foundation for an easier path to the Euro 2028 finals. Norway manager Ståle Solbakken points to the matches against Denmark and Portugal as key for securing a place among the top two in the group.

  • If Norway manages to be among the two best teams in the group, Ståle Solbakken's men will be qualified for the Nations League quarterfinals, Solbakken said.

Norway are playing in League A for the first time, and the results here determine the seeding for the ordinary Euro 2028 qualification in 2027. To be among the top twelve nations and thus receive top seeding, Norway must avoid last place in the group with Denmark, Portugal, and Wales. A third-place finish also grants top seeding but is far from ideal.

If Norway finish first or second, they qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals in March. Most importantly, a top-two placement guarantees Norway a Euro qualification group with only four teams. In groups of four, every single point counts when the eight best runners-up are ranked for the final direct spots to the Euros. In groups of five, results against the bottom team are discarded, making the process more unpredictable.

Norway open their Nations League campaign with two consecutive home matches, first against Denmark and then Portugal. These matches are absolutely decisive for establishing a strong position. Following a 1-2 loss to England in July, Norway currently sit second in World Cup qualifying with six points. The next match on the fixtures list is the home game against Denmark on September 24th, perfect preparation for the Nations League start.

The two lowest-ranked third-place teams in League A must also enter relegation playoffs against the two best last-place teams in the spring of 2027. The goal is clear: avoid the bottom and secure a place among the top three. With a top seeding in Euro qualification, Norway would likely avoid the toughest opponents from League B, such as Switzerland or Austria, and instead face a more manageable group stage. 24 teams will participate in Euro 2028, hosted by England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, with 20 of the spots allocated through the ordinary qualification process.

The original report is at TV 2