Norway vs Switzerland – News and Probable Lineups

As both sides intensify their preparations for the upcoming World Cup, Norway will host Switzerland in Oslo for an international friendly on Tuesday.

Both teams will finish their March international break in the Norwegian capital before shifting their focus to the tournament commencing in June.

Match overview

Norway returns to the pitch this Tuesday in Oslo, looking to reclaim a winning streak to wrap up their two March friendlies, as the 2026 World Cup approaches.

The national team secured their place in this year’s tournament across the USA, Mexico, and Canada in impressive fashion, marking their return to the global arena for the first time since the 1998 World Cup, where they reached the knockout stage.

In fact, they were one of only two nations to finish atop their group with a flawless record, winning all eight of their matches against Italy, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova, while conceding just five goals and netting 37—16 of which were scored by star player Erling Haaland, who leads the European qualifying scoring charts.

After concluding that campaign on a high note late last year with two 4-1 victories, Stale Solbakken’s squad began 2026 with a friendly against the Netherlands last week. Despite leading with a goal from Andreas Schjelderup, they were equalized by Virgil van Dijk and ultimately lost 2-1 after Tijjani Reijnders scored the decisive goal for the hosts early in the second half.

With just Tuesday’s friendly and a June match against Sweden ahead of them before the group stage begins—with a clash against Senegal in New Jersey—Norway is determined to bounce back from their first defeat since October 2024 and build confidence with a home win on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, their opponents arrive in Oslo also hoping to recover and finish their March friendlies with a win after a narrow loss in their previous match.

Switzerland is also preparing for the 2026 World Cup, which will mark their sixth consecutive participation on the world stage, having made it past the group stage while exiting in the round of 16 in their last three attempts.

The Rossocrociati secured their position in the upcoming tournament by finishing first in their initial group, remaining unbeaten with four wins and two draws in their six matches, having drawn against second-placed Kosovo in their final game.

Murat Yakin’s squad then took to the field for the first time this year at home against Germany on Friday and narrowly lost in a thrilling match, having taken the lead twice through Dan Ndoye and Breel Embolo, only to ultimately fall 3-2. Joel Monteiro equalized for Switzerland, but they were edged out as Florian Wirtz put Germany back in front with five minutes remaining.

With limited chances remaining before the World Cup starts in June, Switzerland will be looking to conclude their first training camp of 2026 with a significant away victory in this friendly match.

Team News

Norway might see the return of their key forward Haaland, who had been given a break during the Netherlands fixture last week but has since rejoined the national squad boasting 55 goals in 48 senior appearances.

There is competition up front, with Schjelderup, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Alexander Sorloth, Antonio Nusa, and Jens Petter Hauge vying for playing time.

In midfield, Patrick Berg is expected to be joined again by Fulham players Oscar Bobb and Sander Berge, while Leo Ostigard could slot into the central defense alongside Kristoffer Ajer.

Murat Yakin made significant changes during last week’s match against Germany and will continue to evaluate his squad in preparation for the World Cup, although the starting XI is anticipated to remain largely the same.

Embolo and Ndoye will continue in the attack after their contributions last time, bringing the former to 23 goals for his nation, meaning Noah Okafor and Ruben Vargas may compete for the final attacking spot.

Granit Xhaka from Sunderland remains a pivotal figure in midfield, with 144 caps and 16 international goals, while Remo Freuler will likely support him alongside the 33-year-old.

Norway probable starting XI:

Newland; Ryerson, Ajer, Ostigard, Wolfe; Bob, Berge, Berg; Sorloth, Haaland, Schjelderup

Switzerland probable starting XI:

Kobel; Widmer, Elvedy, Akanji, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka, Rieder; Okafor, Embolo, Love

With both teams possessing considerable talent and eager to move past recent defeats as the World Cup nears, we expect a hard-fought and competitive friendly in Oslo.

If Haaland makes his comeback from the start after his rest, Norway enters with a more potent attacking threat and is likely to secure a victory at home.