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Ståle Solbakken, the current head coach of Norway’s national football team, has indicated that he is likely to step down once his contract concludes after the 2026 World Cup campaign. The 56-year-old, who took the reins in 2020, has had a challenging tenure despite having one of the world’s most feared strikers, Erling Haaland, in his squad.
Norway is set to kick off their Nations League B campaign with an away match against Kazakhstan, but their recent failure to qualify for Euro 2024 has left fans and analysts questioning the team’s future.
Solbakken’s Final Push
Speaking to reporters, Solbakken shared his intentions to lead Norway through the current qualification process, potentially extending his stay if they secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup. However, he hinted strongly that his time with the national team will likely conclude after the finals, regardless of the outcome.
“I’ll take this qualification now and then there’s a high probability that I’ll do something else after that regardless,” Solbakken stated. He expressed a desire to explore new opportunities while he still feels “young and virile,” mentioning that he has already turned down several tempting club offers in pursuit of one final effort with the national team.
Solbakken’s tenure has been marked by a struggle to break Norway’s long absence from major international tournaments. The team last appeared in the World Cup in 1998, where Solbakken himself was a squad member, and their last major tournament appearance was at Euro 2000.
A Promising Generation
Despite Norway’s struggles, the national team has produced some outstanding talent in recent years, including Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb, and Arsenal’s creative playmaker Martin Ødegaard. However, converting this potential into qualification success has proven difficult.
Reflecting on his time as coach, Solbakken noted the challenges of managing a national team with limited opportunities for competitive matches. “I really enjoy being with the boys, but there are far too few international matches. The last seven or eight months have been a nightmare with four friendly games, and the last two leading into the boys’ summer holidays,” he lamented.
The Future of Norwegian Football and Sports Betting
As Norway looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, the potential departure of Solbakken signals a period of transition for Norwegian football. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the team can finally break their long-standing drought and return to the global stage.
For sports betting enthusiasts, Norway’s journey through the qualification rounds offers intriguing opportunities. The team’s unpredictable performances, combined with the presence of world-class talents like Haaland, make for a compelling narrative as bettors weigh the odds of Norway’s chances in the coming years. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the betting markets are sure to be abuzz with speculation on whether Solbakken’s final push can lead Norway to football’s biggest stage.
