Norway have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, storming through their qualifying group with a perfect record of eight wins, including emphatic victories over Italy.

The team is spearheaded by Erling Haaland, who scored five goals and provided two assists in qualifying. He became the fastest player to reach 50 international goals, achieving the feat in just 46 appearances.

The squad was announced by King Harald V, who said the country had "waited a long time" to return to the World Cup.

Manager Stale Solbakken has implemented a high-pressing, possession-based style since taking over in 2020, though the team is also adept at counter-attacking.

Norway are drawn in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Iraq, widely considered one of the toughest groups in the tournament.

Key concerns include the fitness of captain Martin Ødegaard, who has endured an injury-plagued season with Arsenal, and whether the defence can withstand elite attacks.

Norway open their campaign against Iraq in a must-win match, followed by Senegal and a potential blockbuster clash with France featuring Haaland vs. Kylian Mbappé.

The team boasts depth in attack with Alexander Sørloth, Jørgen Strand Larsen, and Antonio Nusa, but creativity could suffer if Ødegaard is not fully fit.

Source: www.aljazeera.com