Norway captain Martin Ødegaard says he is not worried about his fitness ahead of his side’s opening World Cup Group I match on Tuesday in Foxborough, Massachusetts, his country’s first appearance in the finals since 1998.
With Erling Haaland scoring the goals and Ødegaard calling the shots in midfield, Norway has found its way back to the top of global football, but a series of injuries early this year raised questions about the health of the midfielder who recently won the English Premier League title with Arsenal.
«I feel good. I don’t know what you are so worried about. Yes, I have had some problems, as you know, but I feel good now,» Ødegaard told reporters on Sunday.
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After missing the last six World Cups, Norway stormed to victory in its qualifying group ahead of Italy and Israel after eight wins in eight games, scoring 37 and conceding five.
«That’s where we set the standard, after what we did in qualifying. We’re changing expectations; that’s good, and I’m not going to say that’s wrong. Now it’s Iraq that matters,» Ødegaard said.
Norwegian coach Stale Solbakken said both Ødegaard and Haaland were ‘fit for the opener against Iraq, with Haaland in particular looking sharp.
«He had his best training yesterday, 11 against 11, and he had the goal of the year. It would have been the goal of the year at the World Cup if it had been broadcast, a volley from 20 meters. If it had hit (goalkeeper Egil) Selvik he would have been killed, but fortunately it went into the corner,» the coach laughed.
Published on June 15, 2026
