Arsenal captain, Martin Ødegaard, has been named captain of Norway’s 26-man squad for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
themomentng reports that the midfielder, who recently guided Arsenal to the Premier League title, will lead a team filled with attacking talents, including Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Oscar Bobb and Jørgen Strand Larsen.
According to BBC Sport, Norway released the final list on Wednesday ahead of the expanded 48-team tournament scheduled to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Norway’s squad announcement attracted attention after King Harald V revealed the final list through a pre-recorded video shared on social media.
The unusual method of announcement kept some players uncertain until the full video had been played.
Derby County defender Sondre Langås admitted that he was unsure of his place in the squad until the end of the video.
“I didn’t trust it until the video was finished. I didn’t trust the King for a second,” Langås told NRK.
Uncapped goalkeeper Sander Tangvik was handed a surprise invitation to the squad following an injury to Mathias Dyngeland.
themomentng understands that Tangvik is the only uncapped player in the 26-man list.
His inclusion came after former Russia Under-21 goalkeeper Nikita Haikin was unable to complete a nationality switch in time for the tournament.
The development opened the door for Tangvik, who will now travel with the national team to the World Cup.
Norway’s attacking options are led by Haaland, who remains one of the biggest names in world football.
He will be joined in the forward line by Alexander Sørloth, Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb, Andreas Schjelderup, Jens Petter Hauge and Jørgen Strand Larsen.
With Ødegaard expected to supply creativity from midfield, Norway will be hoping that its attacking strength can help the team progress from a difficult group.
Norway will begin their World Cup campaign against Iraq in Boston on June 16.
They will later face Senegal and France in the group stage. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19.
Norway will be hoping to make a strong impression on the global stage with a squad built around a blend of experience, creativity and attacking quality.
Norway World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Orjan Haskjold Nyland, Sevilla; Egil Selvik, Watford; Sander Tangvik, Hamburger SV.
Defenders: Julian Ryerson, Borussia Dortmund; Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Torino; David Moller Wolfe, Wolverhampton; Fredrik Bjorkan, Bodo/Glimt; Kristoffer Ajer, Brentford; Torbjorn Heggem, Bologna; Leo Skiri Ostigard, Genoa; Sondre Langas, Derby County; Henrik Falchener, Viking.
Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal; Sander Berge, Fulham; Fredrik Aursnes, Benfica; Patrick Berg, Bodo/Glimt; Kristian Thorstvedt, Sassuolo; Morten Thorsby, Cremonese; Thelo Aasgaard, Rangers.
Forwards: Erling Haaland, Manchester City; Alexander Sørloth, Atletico Madrid; Jørgen Strand Larsen, Crystal Palace; Antonio Nusa, RB Leipzig; Oscar Bobb, Fulham; Andreas Schjelderup, Benfica; Jens Petter Hauge, Bodo/Glimt.
