Match Information
📍 Ullevaal Stadion
📍 Oslo, Norway
📅 June 1, 2026
Result: Norway 3–1 Sweden
Goalscorers: Jørgen Strand Larsen (2), Antonio Nusa
The final result will be remembered as a successful sendoff before the World Cup.
But beneath the scoreline, Norway’s victory over Sweden provided important clues about what supporters can expect when the tournament begins.
Here are five lessons from Oslo.
1. Norway Has More Depth Than Many Realized
For years, Norway’s fortunes appeared closely tied to Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard.
Against Sweden, neither player featured.
Norway still scored three goals.
Norway still controlled long stretches of the match.
Norway still looked dangerous.
That performance demonstrated something every successful tournament team requires: depth.
If injuries or suspensions become a factor during the World Cup, Norway now has evidence that others can step forward.
2. Antonio Nusa Is Ready for a Bigger Stage
Every tournament produces breakout stars.
Norway hopes Antonio Nusa can become one of them.
The winger’s goal against Sweden was only part of the story. His direct running, confidence and willingness to attack defenders consistently created problems throughout the evening.
At times, he looked like Norway’s most unpredictable attacking threat.
The World Cup rewards players who are willing to take risks.
Nusa appears eager to embrace that challenge.
3. Jørgen Strand Larsen Can Share the Goal-Scoring Burden
Haaland’s absence gave Strand Larsen an opportunity.
He responded with two goals.
While Norway will always rely heavily on Haaland’s finishing ability, the Sweden match suggested the attack does not need to depend on a single player.
That is encouraging news for Ståle Solbakken.
Successful World Cup teams often feature multiple goal threats.
Norway may have found another one.
4. Confidence Is Growing
Perhaps the most noticeable aspect of the performance was not tactical.
It was emotional.
Norway played with confidence.
The players looked comfortable in possession, aggressive in attack and organized without the ball.
There was little evidence of a team overwhelmed by the prospect of an upcoming World Cup.
Instead, the performance reflected a squad that believes it belongs on football’s biggest stage.
That mindset could become one of Norway’s most valuable assets.
5. The Real Tests Still Lie Ahead
The victory was impressive.
But it was still a friendly.
The World Cup will present a completely different challenge.
Iraq, Senegal and France will provide sterner examinations than Sweden.
Mistakes will be punished more severely.
Opportunities will be harder to create.
Norway’s players understand that reality.
The Sweden match should build confidence, but not complacency.
The job is far from complete.
What It Means Moving Forward
Every preparation match serves a purpose.
For Norway, the purpose was not simply to beat Sweden.
It was to answer questions.
Can the squad perform without its biggest stars?
Can younger players handle greater responsibility?
Is the team carrying momentum into the World Cup?
The answer to all three appears to be yes.
Now comes the challenge supporters have waited 28 years to see.
The lessons have been learned.
The preparation is nearly complete.
And the World Cup is finally within reach.