Norway is preparing to face England in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S. [1].
This match marks a historic milestone for the Norwegian national team, as they have reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time [2]. The result places the team in the final eight of the global tournament, facing a powerhouse opponent in England.
Forward Andreas Schjelderup said the atmosphere within the camp has remained unexpectedly calm despite the stakes. He described the current environment as relaxed, noting that the experience has felt like a vacation. "It feels almost like being on holiday at times," Schjelderup said [1].
The team attributes this mindset to the leadership of head coach Ståle Solbakken. Solbakken has focused on reducing the psychological burden on his players to ensure they perform without the weight of the tournament's prestige. "We want the players to enjoy the game, not feel the occasion," Solbakken said [2].
By prioritizing enjoyment over pressure, the coaching staff aims to prevent the players from becoming overwhelmed by the scale of the event. This approach is designed to keep the squad loose and confident as they enter the knockout stage. The strategy aims to leverage the team's momentum by treating the high-stakes match as a game of football, rather than a rigid historical event.
Norway's journey to this stage of the competition has been defined by this philosophy of mental freedom. The squad continues to maintain this low-pressure environment as they finalize their tactical preparations for the clash with England [1], [2].
“"It feels almost like being on holiday at times."”
Norway's first-ever appearance in a World Cup quarter-final creates a significant psychological challenge. By intentionally framing the tournament as a 'holiday' and focusing on the joy of the game, coach Ståle Solbakken is attempting to mitigate the 'big-game' anxiety that often plagues underdog teams facing established giants like England.
