Stale Solbakken has found a pragmatic way of focusing play on his best players for success while also ensuring that a team-first approach exists in the squad. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

After being part of the last Norway squad to play at the World Cup, Stale Solbakken was appointed as the nation’s head coach in 2020. His journey has had its ups and downs, including failing to qualify for the World Cup 2022 and Euro 2024.

However, he found a pragmatic way of focusing play on his best players for success while also ensuring that a team-first approach exists in the squad.

Stale Solbakken’s record as head coach:

• Matches: 809
• Wins: 444
• Draws: 167
• Losses: 198
• Win percentage: 54.88

Stale Solbakken’s record as Norway’s head coach:

• Matches: 56
• Wins: 32
• Draws: 12
• Losses: 12
• Win percentage: 57.1

What did Stale Solbakken say before Iraq vs Norway?

“We are in a very competitive group, maybe the hardest of all. If you can start with three points then maybe you are on your way. You can’t hide that it’s a very important game.

“For every citizen, to lead out his country in a game like this, especially after 28 years of hurt, that is perhaps the top thing, the number one thing on the list,” he said.

On Erling Haaland, he said, “He’s our goalscorer. I think he’s the world’s best goalscorer. He’s physically fit, he was given a little bit of a break towards the end of the season. I think gradually he has played better and better in training here. I think he’s where he wants to be and hopefully the team can also give him the service he needs to score goals.

“If you give Erling chances, he has a tendency to score, so hopefully that continues.”

Published on Jun 16, 2026