Norway vs Denmark: Haaland Leads Full-Strength Hosts Against Injury-Hit Danes

UEFA Nations League A, Group 4
Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Kick-off: 20:45 CEST

OSLO — Norway host Denmark on Thursday night in a Nations League A, Group 4 fixture that pits a near full-strength Norwegian side against a Danish squad depleted by injuries and withdrawals.

Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard are both confirmed available for Norway. Denmark, meanwhile, will be without Christian Eriksen, Andreas Christensen, and Kasper Dolberg.

Norway Team News

Norway enter the match with a virtually full-strength squad. Haaland and Ødegaard are both fit, a significant boost for a side that has often struggled without its captain.

The only notable absentee is Alexander Sørloth. The Atlético Madrid striker has withdrawn through injury and is replaced by Viking forward Erik Botheim.

Haaland in Form

Haaland arrives in excellent form. The Manchester City striker scored seven goals at the 2026 World Cup and has started the new Premier League season strongly. He is expected to lead Norway’s attack alongside Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb.

Norway Squad

Goalkeepers: Ørjan Nyland, Egil Selvik, Sander Tangvik

Defenders: Kristoffer Ajer, Odin Bjørtuft, Sondre Langås, Fredrik Sjøvold, Leo Østigård, David Møller Wolfe, Julian Ryerson, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Torbjørn Heggem

Midfielders: Sander Berge, Patrick Berg, Martin Ødegaard, Fredrik Aursnes, Antonio Nusa, Andreas Schjelderup, Oscar Bobb, Thelo Aasgaard, Ole Didrik Blomberg, Kristian Thorstvedt

Forwards: Erling Braut Haaland, Jørgen Strand Larsen, Erik Botheim

Predicted Line-up (4-3-3)

Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Østigård, Møller Wolfe; Berg, Berge, Ødegaard; Bobb, Haaland, Nusa

Norway’s Last 5 Matches

Date Opponent Competition Result
Jul 11, 2026 England World Cup QF L 1-2 (aet)
Jul 5, 2026 Brazil World Cup R16 W 2-1
Jun 30, 2026 Côte d’Ivoire World Cup R32 W 2-1
Jun 26, 2026 France World Cup Group L 1-4
Jun 23, 2026 Senegal World Cup Group W 3-2

Haaland and Ødegaard started all five matches. Norway reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, defeating Brazil before losing to England in extra time.

Denmark Team News

Denmark’s preparations have been disrupted. Christian Eriksen is not in the squad as he continues his recovery after collapsing during an international match in June. Andreas Christensen has withdrawn with a thigh injury. Kasper Dolberg is also out.

Christensen’s absence is particularly significant. The Barcelona defender is Denmark’s most experienced centre-back and would have been the primary candidate to mark Haaland.

Potential Debutants

Manager Brian Riemer has called up three uncapped players: Thomas Jørgensen, Mads Bidstrup, and Viktor Bak. At least one could feature given the depleted squad.

Denmark Squad

Goalkeepers: Andreas Jungdal, Mads Hermansen, Filip Jørgensen

Defenders: Andreas Christensen (withdrawn), Joachim Andersen, Oliver Provstgaard, Victor Nelsson, Rasmus Nissen Kristensen, Alexander Bah, Joakim Mæhle, Viktor Bak, Patrick Dorgu

Midfielders: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Victor Froholdt, Mads Bidstrup, Morten Hjulmand, Mikkel Damsgaard, Thomas Jørgensen, Gustav Isaksen, Albert Grønbæk

Forwards: Adam Daghim, Rasmus Højlund, Kasper Dolberg (withdrawn), Kasper Høgh

Predicted Line-up (3-4-3)

Hermansen; Nelsson, Andersen, Provstgaard; Bah, Højbjerg, Hjulmand, Dorgu; Isaksen, Højlund, Damsgaard

Denmark’s Last 5 Matches

Date Opponent Competition Result
Mar 31, 2026 Czech Republic WC Playoff Final D 2-2 (lost 3-1 pens)
Mar 26, 2026 North Macedonia WC Playoff SF W 4-0
Mar 23, 2026 Scotland Friendly L
Mar 2026 Belarus Friendly W
Mar 2026 Greece Friendly Unknown

Eriksen, Christensen, and Højlund were all available for those matches. For the Norway fixture, Eriksen and Christensen are both absent.

Denmark failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, losing to the Czech Republic on penalties in the playoff final. Højlund missed the decisive spot-kick.

Players to Watch

Erling Haaland (Norway): Scored seven goals at the World Cup and has started the season well for Manchester City. The primary threat to Denmark’s defence.

Martin Ødegaard (Norway): Norway’s captain and creative hub. His ability to link midfield and attack is central to Norway’s game plan.

Rasmus Højlund (Denmark): Denmark’s main goal threat. His pace in behind could trouble Norway’s high defensive line.

Morten Hjulmand (Denmark): The Sporting CP midfielder will be tasked with disrupting Ødegaard and shielding Denmark’s reshuffled defence.

Head-to-Head Record

Denmark hold a significant historical advantage. In 86 meetings, Denmark have won 54, Norway have won 20, and 12 have been drawn. Denmark lead 224–99 on aggregate goals.

Tactical Preview

Norway are expected to press high and use width to isolate Denmark’s wing-backs. Early crosses and cut-backs for Haaland will be a priority.

Denmark are likely to sit compact and crowd the central areas to limit Ødegaard’s influence. Their best route to goal is on the counter, with Højlund running in behind.

Key Battle: Joachim Andersen vs Erling Haaland

With Christensen out, Andersen becomes Denmark’s most important defender. His ability to handle Haaland physically and in the air could determine the outcome.

Prediction

Norway have home advantage, a near full-strength squad, and a striker in excellent form. Denmark are missing an experienced defender and their long-time creative leader.

Denmark’s historical record in this fixture suggests the match will be competitive, but Norway’s current squad strength makes them favourites.

Prediction: Norway 2–1 Denmark

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Norway vs Denmark?
Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 20:45 CEST.

Where is the match being played?
Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway.

What competition is it?
UEFA Nations League A, Group 4.

Is Erling Haaland playing?
Yes. Haaland is confirmed available and expected to start.

Who is missing for Denmark?
Christian Eriksen is not in the squad. Andreas Christensen and Kasper Dolberg have withdrawn through injury.

What is the head-to-head record?
In 86 meetings, Denmark have won 54, Norway 20, with 12 draws.

Conclusion

Norway have a clear opportunity to defeat their Scandinavian rivals at home. With Haaland and Ødegaard available and Denmark weakened by absences, the conditions favour the hosts.

Denmark’s historical dominance in this fixture ensures the match will not be straightforward, but Norway’s current squad strength makes them the likely winners at Ullevaal.