Arsenal’s Ødegaard named Norway captain for World Cup

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard has been named captain of Norway national football team’s 26-man squad for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, the midfielder, who recently guided Arsenal F.C. to the Premier League title, will lead a Norway squad packed with attacking talent including Erling Haaland, Oscar Bobb and Jørgen Strand Larsen.

Norway’s squad announcement drew attention after Harald V revealed the final list through a pre-recorded video shared on social media.

Uncapped goalkeeper Sander Tangvik earned a surprise call-up following an injury to Mathias Dyngeland.

Tangvik is the only uncapped player included in the squad after former Russia Under-21 goalkeeper Nikita Haikin was unable to complete a nationality switch in time for the tournament.

Sondre Langås admitted the unusual announcement left players uncertain until the very end.

“I didn’t trust it until the video was finished. I didn’t trust the King for a second,” the Derby County defender told NRK.

Norway will begin their World Cup campaign against Iraq national football team in Boston on June 16 before taking on Senegal national football team and France national football team in the group stage.

The expanded 48-team tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19.

Norway World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Orjan Haskjold Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford), Sander Tangvik (Hamburger SV).

Defenders: Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), David Moller Wolfe (Wolverhampton), Fredrik Bjorkan (Bodo/Glimt), Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Leo Skiri Ostigard (Genoa), Sondre Langas (Derby County), Henrik Falchener (Viking).

Midfielders: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Sander Berge (Fulham), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Thelo Aasgaard (Rangers).

Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodo/Glimt).