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Deadspin | Scotland’s World Cup roster spans 24 years in age  Rangers’ Findlay Curtis celebrates scoring their first goal against Panathinaikos in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round in Glasgow on July 22, 2025.   Scotland manager Steve Clarke announced his 26-man World Cup roster on Tuesday, which spans from 19-year-old attacker Findlay Curtis to 43-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon.  Gordon made the roster despite being sidelined since January by a shoulder injury, while Curtis earned his spot after scoring five times in 14 appearances with Kilmarnock on loan from Rangers.   “It’s always difficult when you have goalkeepers not playing regularly. But we’ve had good reports back from Hearts,” Clarke told reporters. “He’s training very well and he assures us he’s fully fit. He’s shown a tremendous resilience. He deserves to be there. If he was to struggle, we have the option to change them.  “(Curtis) has got something a little bit different to what we’ve got. He’s shown he can score a goal, he’s finished the season in a great place and it’s nice to have a young one in the squad.”  Striker Ross Stewart also makes his return for Scotland after not appearing for the team since 2022. He has 11 goals in 33 appearances for Southampton this season.  “(Stewart) was in my squad a few years ago, showed he could come up to this level. He’s had a terrible run with injury, but from January onwards he’s hit a rich vein of form,” Clarke said. “He’s shown he can score big goals in big games. The Arsenal game in the cup showed he can have an impact on games of that level. He’s a striker in form, so I decided to add him to the group.”  Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller was arguably the most notable omission from the roster. The 19-year-old made his international debut in March but did not play in two friendlies that month. Forwards Oli McBurnie and Kieron Bowie were also passed over in favor of Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes.  “I had five very difficult conversations,” Clarke said. “I know how they’ll be feeling. (Miller) had been in a few squads, maybe felt he was going to be a regular. I just felt with the balance of the midfield it was better to take an extra forward than a midfield player.”   Scotland is preparing for its first World Cup appearance in 28 years. The squad will play a friendly at home against Curacao on May 30 before traveling to the United States ahead of a game against Bolivia in New Jersey on June 6.  The team’s World Cup base camp will be in Charlotte, N.C. Scotland open Group C play against Haiti on June 13 in Boston. The schedule includes matches against Morocco in Boston on June 19 and Brazil in Miami on June 24.  SCOTLAND WORLD CUP ROSTER  Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers)  Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dominic Hyam (Wrexham), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic).  Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Findlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Napoli)  Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton Athletic), George Hirst (Ipswich Town), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton)  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Scotlands #World #Cup #roster #spans #years #age

Deadspin | Scotland’s World Cup roster spans 24 years in age
Deadspin | Scotland’s World Cup roster spans 24 years in age  Rangers’ Findlay Curtis celebrates scoring their first goal against Panathinaikos in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round in Glasgow on July 22, 2025.   Scotland manager Steve Clarke announced his 26-man World Cup roster on Tuesday, which spans from 19-year-old attacker Findlay Curtis to 43-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon.  Gordon made the roster despite being sidelined since January by a shoulder injury, while Curtis earned his spot after scoring five times in 14 appearances with Kilmarnock on loan from Rangers.   “It’s always difficult when you have goalkeepers not playing regularly. But we’ve had good reports back from Hearts,” Clarke told reporters. “He’s training very well and he assures us he’s fully fit. He’s shown a tremendous resilience. He deserves to be there. If he was to struggle, we have the option to change them.  “(Curtis) has got something a little bit different to what we’ve got. He’s shown he can score a goal, he’s finished the season in a great place and it’s nice to have a young one in the squad.”  Striker Ross Stewart also makes his return for Scotland after not appearing for the team since 2022. He has 11 goals in 33 appearances for Southampton this season.  “(Stewart) was in my squad a few years ago, showed he could come up to this level. He’s had a terrible run with injury, but from January onwards he’s hit a rich vein of form,” Clarke said. “He’s shown he can score big goals in big games. The Arsenal game in the cup showed he can have an impact on games of that level. He’s a striker in form, so I decided to add him to the group.”  Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller was arguably the most notable omission from the roster. The 19-year-old made his international debut in March but did not play in two friendlies that month. Forwards Oli McBurnie and Kieron Bowie were also passed over in favor of Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes.  “I had five very difficult conversations,” Clarke said. “I know how they’ll be feeling. (Miller) had been in a few squads, maybe felt he was going to be a regular. I just felt with the balance of the midfield it was better to take an extra forward than a midfield player.”   Scotland is preparing for its first World Cup appearance in 28 years. The squad will play a friendly at home against Curacao on May 30 before traveling to the United States ahead of a game against Bolivia in New Jersey on June 6.  The team’s World Cup base camp will be in Charlotte, N.C. Scotland open Group C play against Haiti on June 13 in Boston. The schedule includes matches against Morocco in Boston on June 19 and Brazil in Miami on June 24.  SCOTLAND WORLD CUP ROSTER  Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers)  Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dominic Hyam (Wrexham), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic).  Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Findlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Napoli)  Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton Athletic), George Hirst (Ipswich Town), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton)  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Scotlands #World #Cup #roster #spans #years #ageRangers’ Findlay Curtis celebrates scoring their first goal against Panathinaikos in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round in Glasgow on July 22, 2025.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke announced his 26-man World Cup roster on Tuesday, which spans from 19-year-old attacker Findlay Curtis to 43-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

Gordon made the roster despite being sidelined since January by a shoulder injury, while Curtis earned his spot after scoring five times in 14 appearances with Kilmarnock on loan from Rangers.

“It’s always difficult when you have goalkeepers not playing regularly. But we’ve had good reports back from Hearts,” Clarke told reporters. “He’s training very well and he assures us he’s fully fit. He’s shown a tremendous resilience. He deserves to be there. If he was to struggle, we have the option to change them.

“(Curtis) has got something a little bit different to what we’ve got. He’s shown he can score a goal, he’s finished the season in a great place and it’s nice to have a young one in the squad.”

Striker Ross Stewart also makes his return for Scotland after not appearing for the team since 2022. He has 11 goals in 33 appearances for Southampton this season.

“(Stewart) was in my squad a few years ago, showed he could come up to this level. He’s had a terrible run with injury, but from January onwards he’s hit a rich vein of form,” Clarke said. “He’s shown he can score big goals in big games. The Arsenal game in the cup showed he can have an impact on games of that level. He’s a striker in form, so I decided to add him to the group.”

Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller was arguably the most notable omission from the roster. The 19-year-old made his international debut in March but did not play in two friendlies that month. Forwards Oli McBurnie and Kieron Bowie were also passed over in favor of Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes.


“I had five very difficult conversations,” Clarke said. “I know how they’ll be feeling. (Miller) had been in a few squads, maybe felt he was going to be a regular. I just felt with the balance of the midfield it was better to take an extra forward than a midfield player.”

Scotland is preparing for its first World Cup appearance in 28 years. The squad will play a friendly at home against Curacao on May 30 before traveling to the United States ahead of a game against Bolivia in New Jersey on June 6.

The team’s World Cup base camp will be in Charlotte, N.C. Scotland open Group C play against Haiti on June 13 in Boston. The schedule includes matches against Morocco in Boston on June 19 and Brazil in Miami on June 24.

SCOTLAND WORLD CUP ROSTER

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers)

Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dominic Hyam (Wrexham), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic).

Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Findlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Napoli)

Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton Athletic), George Hirst (Ipswich Town), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton)


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Scotlands #World #Cup #roster #spans #years #age

Rangers’ Findlay Curtis celebrates scoring their first goal against Panathinaikos in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round in Glasgow on July 22, 2025.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke announced his 26-man World Cup roster on Tuesday, which spans from 19-year-old attacker Findlay Curtis to 43-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

Gordon made the roster despite being sidelined since January by a shoulder injury, while Curtis earned his spot after scoring five times in 14 appearances with Kilmarnock on loan from Rangers.

“It’s always difficult when you have goalkeepers not playing regularly. But we’ve had good reports back from Hearts,” Clarke told reporters. “He’s training very well and he assures us he’s fully fit. He’s shown a tremendous resilience. He deserves to be there. If he was to struggle, we have the option to change them.

“(Curtis) has got something a little bit different to what we’ve got. He’s shown he can score a goal, he’s finished the season in a great place and it’s nice to have a young one in the squad.”

Striker Ross Stewart also makes his return for Scotland after not appearing for the team since 2022. He has 11 goals in 33 appearances for Southampton this season.

“(Stewart) was in my squad a few years ago, showed he could come up to this level. He’s had a terrible run with injury, but from January onwards he’s hit a rich vein of form,” Clarke said. “He’s shown he can score big goals in big games. The Arsenal game in the cup showed he can have an impact on games of that level. He’s a striker in form, so I decided to add him to the group.”

Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller was arguably the most notable omission from the roster. The 19-year-old made his international debut in March but did not play in two friendlies that month. Forwards Oli McBurnie and Kieron Bowie were also passed over in favor of Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes.

“I had five very difficult conversations,” Clarke said. “I know how they’ll be feeling. (Miller) had been in a few squads, maybe felt he was going to be a regular. I just felt with the balance of the midfield it was better to take an extra forward than a midfield player.”

Scotland is preparing for its first World Cup appearance in 28 years. The squad will play a friendly at home against Curacao on May 30 before traveling to the United States ahead of a game against Bolivia in New Jersey on June 6.

The team’s World Cup base camp will be in Charlotte, N.C. Scotland open Group C play against Haiti on June 13 in Boston. The schedule includes matches against Morocco in Boston on June 19 and Brazil in Miami on June 24.

SCOTLAND WORLD CUP ROSTER

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers)

Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dominic Hyam (Wrexham), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic).

Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Findlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Napoli)

Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton Athletic), George Hirst (Ipswich Town), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton)

–Field Level Media

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And now the next chapter could be written in the NFL.

Sorsby was initially ruled ineligible for the 2026 season due to violations of the NCAA’s gambling bylaws. Through his attorneys, Sorsby challenged that ruling by the NCAA, alleging among other things that he suffered from a gambling addiction.

Despite a Texas judge granting Sorsby a temporary injunction against the NCAA, opening the door for Sorsby to play for the Red Raiders next season, the quarterback now plans to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, according to multiple reports. Texas District Court Judge Ken Curry granted Sorsby’s injunction request, while implementing several conditions on the quarterback including a two-game suspension, while the legal battle between the NCAA and the quarterback remained on course for a full trial. But with that trial likely to occur after the college football season, Sorsby was on a path back to college.

However, in the days following that ruling, several schools had canceled athletic events that were scheduled against Texas Tech. That included Michigan on Monday, canceling a volleyball match that was scheduled against the Red Raiders.

In addition, the Big 12 itself filed a federal complaint against Texas Tech on Monday, seeking a declaratory judgment as well as an injunction in an effort to enforce the conference’s bylaws, and potentially sanction Texas Tech, in response to the Sorsby situation. That complaint also named Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as one of the defendants.

As part of this decision by Sorsby, his attorneys plan to withdraw the lawsuit against the NCAA, which would make him ineligible under the governing body’s ruling and therefore eligible to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft.

The deadline for players to apply for entry in the NFL Supplemental Draft is June 22. The NFL Supplemental Draft is expected to occur in late July.

#Brendan #Sorsby #intends #enter #NFL #Supplemental #Draft #reports">Brendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports  And now the next chapter could be written in the NFL.Sorsby was initially ruled ineligible for the 2026 season due to violations of the NCAA’s gambling bylaws. Through his attorneys, Sorsby challenged that ruling by the NCAA, alleging among other things that he suffered from a gambling addiction.Despite a Texas judge granting Sorsby a temporary injunction against the NCAA, opening the door for Sorsby to play for the Red Raiders next season, the quarterback now plans to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, according to multiple reports. Texas District Court Judge Ken Curry granted Sorsby’s injunction request, while implementing several conditions on the quarterback including a two-game suspension, while the legal battle between the NCAA and the quarterback remained on course for a full trial. But with that trial likely to occur after the college football season, Sorsby was on a path back to college.However, in the days following that ruling, several schools had canceled athletic events that were scheduled against Texas Tech. That included Michigan on Monday, canceling a volleyball match that was scheduled against the Red Raiders.In addition, the Big 12 itself filed a federal complaint against Texas Tech on Monday, seeking a declaratory judgment as well as an injunction in an effort to enforce the conference’s bylaws, and potentially sanction Texas Tech, in response to the Sorsby situation. That complaint also named Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as one of the defendants.As part of this decision by Sorsby, his attorneys plan to withdraw the lawsuit against the NCAA, which would make him ineligible under the governing body’s ruling and therefore eligible to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft.The deadline for players to apply for entry in the NFL Supplemental Draft is June 22. The NFL Supplemental Draft is expected to occur in late July.  #Brendan #Sorsby #intends #enter #NFL #Supplemental #Draft #reports

judge granting Sorsby a temporary injunction against the NCAA, opening the door for Sorsby to play for the Red Raiders next season, the quarterback now plans to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, according to multiple reports. Texas District Court Judge Ken Curry granted Sorsby’s injunction request, while implementing several conditions on the quarterback including a two-game suspension, while the legal battle between the NCAA and the quarterback remained on course for a full trial. But with that trial likely to occur after the college football season, Sorsby was on a path back to college.

However, in the days following that ruling, several schools had canceled athletic events that were scheduled against Texas Tech. That included Michigan on Monday, canceling a volleyball match that was scheduled against the Red Raiders.

In addition, the Big 12 itself filed a federal complaint against Texas Tech on Monday, seeking a declaratory judgment as well as an injunction in an effort to enforce the conference’s bylaws, and potentially sanction Texas Tech, in response to the Sorsby situation. That complaint also named Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as one of the defendants.

As part of this decision by Sorsby, his attorneys plan to withdraw the lawsuit against the NCAA, which would make him ineligible under the governing body’s ruling and therefore eligible to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft.

The deadline for players to apply for entry in the NFL Supplemental Draft is June 22. The NFL Supplemental Draft is expected to occur in late July.

#Brendan #Sorsby #intends #enter #NFL #Supplemental #Draft #reports">Brendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports

And now the next chapter could be written in the NFL.

Sorsby was initially ruled ineligible for the 2026 season due to violations of the NCAA’s gambling bylaws. Through his attorneys, Sorsby challenged that ruling by the NCAA, alleging among other things that he suffered from a gambling addiction.

Despite a Texas judge granting Sorsby a temporary injunction against the NCAA, opening the door for Sorsby to play for the Red Raiders next season, the quarterback now plans to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, according to multiple reports. Texas District Court Judge Ken Curry granted Sorsby’s injunction request, while implementing several conditions on the quarterback including a two-game suspension, while the legal battle between the NCAA and the quarterback remained on course for a full trial. But with that trial likely to occur after the college football season, Sorsby was on a path back to college.

However, in the days following that ruling, several schools had canceled athletic events that were scheduled against Texas Tech. That included Michigan on Monday, canceling a volleyball match that was scheduled against the Red Raiders.

In addition, the Big 12 itself filed a federal complaint against Texas Tech on Monday, seeking a declaratory judgment as well as an injunction in an effort to enforce the conference’s bylaws, and potentially sanction Texas Tech, in response to the Sorsby situation. That complaint also named Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as one of the defendants.

As part of this decision by Sorsby, his attorneys plan to withdraw the lawsuit against the NCAA, which would make him ineligible under the governing body’s ruling and therefore eligible to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft.

The deadline for players to apply for entry in the NFL Supplemental Draft is June 22. The NFL Supplemental Draft is expected to occur in late July.

#Brendan #Sorsby #intends #enter #NFL #Supplemental #Draft #reports

Prolific Norwegian striker Erling Haaland is raring to go against Iraq on ​Tuesday in his country’s first World Cup match in 28 ‌years and his teammates will be seeking to ​feed his remarkable scoring habit, Norway coach ⁠Stale Solbakken said on Monday.

Haaland, who scored 16 times in eight qualifying games, double the tally of anyone else in ‌Europe, looks to be back in top form after being given a bit of rest ‌by Manchester City at the end of the ‌English ⁠Premier League season and by Norway in the ⁠run-up to the World Cup, Solbakken said.

“Hopefully he will have a very big impact,” he told reporters. “Hopefully we can continue to give ​him chances and if ‌you give Erling chances, he has a tendency to score.”

Solbakken – a former midfielder who played 58 times for Norway – paid tribute to captain Martin Odegaard who ‌racked up the most goal assists in the ​European qualifiers, despite being out for a lengthy spell with an injury.

That absence helped ⁠Norway develop, the coach said: “The players around him have grown because of that. So they have got more confidence ‌themselves.”

There was less positive news about striker Jorgen Strand Larsen who has a fever, Solbakken said.

ALSO READ | Knicks over kicks as New York’s NBA triumph celebrations overshadow FIFA World Cup buzz

Norway kicks off its World Cup campaign at the New England Patriots’ stadium in the suburbs of Boston against an Iraq side that qualified for the tournament after a ‌21-match marathon and the extra stress and strain of travel disruption ​caused by the U.S. and Israeli war with neighbouring Iran.

Solbakken highlighted Iraq’s organised, compact formation ⁠and their danger from crosses.

“And obviously, the coach is very, ⁠very used to this kind of game in terms of his success with Australia,” he ‌said, referring to Graham Arnold who led the Socceroos to the round of 16 in 2022 where ​they were defeated by eventual champions Argentina.

Published on Jun 16, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Lets #give #ball #Haaland #Norway #coach">FIFA World Cup 2026: Let’s give the ball to Haaland, Norway coach says  Prolific Norwegian striker Erling Haaland is raring to go against Iraq on ​Tuesday in his country’s first World Cup match in 28 ‌years and his teammates will be seeking to ​feed his remarkable scoring habit, Norway coach ⁠Stale Solbakken said on Monday.Haaland, who scored 16 times in eight qualifying games, double the tally of anyone else in ‌Europe, looks to be back in top form after being given a bit of rest ‌by Manchester City at the end of the ‌English ⁠Premier League season and by Norway in the ⁠run-up to the World Cup, Solbakken said.“Hopefully he will have a very big impact,” he told reporters. “Hopefully we can continue to give ​him chances and if ‌you give Erling chances, he has a tendency to score.”Solbakken – a former midfielder who played 58 times for Norway – paid tribute to captain Martin Odegaard who ‌racked up the most goal assists in the ​European qualifiers, despite being out for a lengthy spell with an injury.That absence helped ⁠Norway develop, the coach said: “The players around him have grown because of that. So they have got more confidence ‌themselves.”There was less positive news about striker Jorgen Strand Larsen who has a fever, Solbakken said.ALSO READ | Knicks over kicks as New York’s NBA triumph celebrations overshadow FIFA World Cup buzzNorway kicks off its World Cup campaign at the New England Patriots’ stadium in the suburbs of Boston against an Iraq side that qualified for the tournament after a ‌21-match marathon and the extra stress and strain of travel disruption ​caused by the U.S. and Israeli war with neighbouring Iran.Solbakken highlighted Iraq’s organised, compact formation ⁠and their danger from crosses.“And obviously, the coach is very, ⁠very used to this kind of game in terms of his success with Australia,” he ‌said, referring to Graham Arnold who led the Socceroos to the round of 16 in 2022 where ​they were defeated by eventual champions Argentina.Published on Jun 16, 2026  #FIFA #World #Cup #Lets #give #ball #Haaland #Norway #coach

Knicks over kicks as New York’s NBA triumph celebrations overshadow FIFA World Cup buzz

Norway kicks off its World Cup campaign at the New England Patriots’ stadium in the suburbs of Boston against an Iraq side that qualified for the tournament after a ‌21-match marathon and the extra stress and strain of travel disruption ​caused by the U.S. and Israeli war with neighbouring Iran.

Solbakken highlighted Iraq’s organised, compact formation ⁠and their danger from crosses.

“And obviously, the coach is very, ⁠very used to this kind of game in terms of his success with Australia,” he ‌said, referring to Graham Arnold who led the Socceroos to the round of 16 in 2022 where ​they were defeated by eventual champions Argentina.

Published on Jun 16, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Lets #give #ball #Haaland #Norway #coach">FIFA World Cup 2026: Let’s give the ball to Haaland, Norway coach says

Prolific Norwegian striker Erling Haaland is raring to go against Iraq on ​Tuesday in his country’s first World Cup match in 28 ‌years and his teammates will be seeking to ​feed his remarkable scoring habit, Norway coach ⁠Stale Solbakken said on Monday.

Haaland, who scored 16 times in eight qualifying games, double the tally of anyone else in ‌Europe, looks to be back in top form after being given a bit of rest ‌by Manchester City at the end of the ‌English ⁠Premier League season and by Norway in the ⁠run-up to the World Cup, Solbakken said.

“Hopefully he will have a very big impact,” he told reporters. “Hopefully we can continue to give ​him chances and if ‌you give Erling chances, he has a tendency to score.”

Solbakken – a former midfielder who played 58 times for Norway – paid tribute to captain Martin Odegaard who ‌racked up the most goal assists in the ​European qualifiers, despite being out for a lengthy spell with an injury.

That absence helped ⁠Norway develop, the coach said: “The players around him have grown because of that. So they have got more confidence ‌themselves.”

There was less positive news about striker Jorgen Strand Larsen who has a fever, Solbakken said.

ALSO READ | Knicks over kicks as New York’s NBA triumph celebrations overshadow FIFA World Cup buzz

Norway kicks off its World Cup campaign at the New England Patriots’ stadium in the suburbs of Boston against an Iraq side that qualified for the tournament after a ‌21-match marathon and the extra stress and strain of travel disruption ​caused by the U.S. and Israeli war with neighbouring Iran.

Solbakken highlighted Iraq’s organised, compact formation ⁠and their danger from crosses.

“And obviously, the coach is very, ⁠very used to this kind of game in terms of his success with Australia,” he ‌said, referring to Graham Arnold who led the Socceroos to the round of 16 in 2022 where ​they were defeated by eventual champions Argentina.

Published on Jun 16, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Lets #give #ball #Haaland #Norway #coach

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