Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Norway-Sweden, likely lineups

The national teams that qualified for the U.S. World Cup take the field to face the last, crucial tests ahead of the rainbow competition. Tonight at 7 p.m., the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo will host the international friendly between Norway and Sweden, a highly anticipated Scandinavian derby. Indeed, both selections have clinched a pass for the 2026 World Cup and will use this historic crossroads as a final dress rehearsal before the move to North America. The match will serve both technical commissioners to assess the physical fitness of the players and refine the latest tactical tricks, so they will be ready for their debut in the group stage.

Solbakken will field a very solid and compact team.In front of Nyland, the defense will consist of Ajer and Ostigard in the center, with Bjorkan and Pedersen at fullback. In the midfield, Berge will dictate the tempo supported by Thorstvedt and Thorsby, while the offensive trident will be led by Haaland, assisted on the flanks by Nusa and Sorloth.

Potter responds with a more closed and balanced formation to contain the opponents. Olsen between the posts protected by the Starfelt-Lindelof pair, with Krafth and Augustinsson on the side lanes. The midfield will be formed by Cajuste and Svanberg, while Kulusevski, Forsberg and Isak will act in the three-quarter behind the only forward Gyokeres.

Probable lineups

Norway (4-3-3): Nyland; Bjorkan, Ajer, Ostigard, Pedersen; Berge, Thorstvedt, Thorsby; Nusa, Haaland, Sorloth. All. Solbakken.

Sweden (4-2-3-1): Olsen; Krafth, Starfelt, Lindelof, Augustinsson; Cajuste, Svanberg; Kulusevski, Forsberg, Isak; Gyokeres. All. Potter.