Ciaran Varley

Norway’s deep World Cup run reflects decades of investment in football development, driven by expanded artificial-pitch infrastructure, regulated gambling revenue directed toward sports facilities, and the creation of the National Team School linking grassroots and elite pathways. The strategy fostered a technically skilled generation including Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, with emphasis on late specialization, collective values, and unified development across clubs and the federation. Despite most top players moving abroad, improving domestic performance and club success suggest the model is strengthening both the national team and Norway’s league.