Wales vs Norway – News and Probable Lineups

Wales aims to bounce back from two consecutive losses in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League by hosting Norway on Thursday evening.

Under the guidance of Craig Bellamy, the team currently sits at the bottom of Group 4 in League A without any points, having lost their first two fixtures, while Norway finds themselves in second place with three points.

Match overview

Wales has struggled to get going in their 2026-27 Nations League campaign, suffering a 1-0 defeat against Portugal on September 24, followed by a 2-0 loss to Denmark last week; with two matches played, they find themselves at the bottom of Group 4 in League A, still searching for points.

Bellamy’s squad will now face Norway, aiming to ignite their campaign, before concluding this international window with another match against Denmark on Sunday evening.

The Dragons clinched promotion from League B in the 2024-25 season, but competing in this group is always a significant challenge due to the caliber of the opponents.

In their past 11 encounters with Norway, Wales has achieved three victories, four draws, and four losses.

The last match between these teams occurred in November 2011, when Wales secured a 4-1 win in a friendly match.

Norway has recently suffered defeats in their last two encounters against Wales, conceding seven goals overall; however, the most recent competitive match between the teams was a victory for Norway, winning 3-2 in World Cup qualifying back in September 2001.

The visiting team kicked off their 2026-27 Nations League campaign with a 3-2 win over Denmark, followed by a 2-1 home setback against Portugal in their latest match.

Stale Solbakken’s squad currently ranks second in Group 4 of League A with three points, and they will end this international break with a matchup against Portugal on Sunday evening.

Norway is participating in League A of the Nations League for the first time, having achieved promotion from League B during the 2024-25 season.

The national team performed impressively at the 2026 World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals, and they boast a strong Nations League record, with 15 wins in their previous 26 competitions and only seven losses.

Wales Nations League form:

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Wales form (all competitions):

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Norway Nations League form:

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Norway form (all competitions):

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Team News

Wales will be missing key players like Harry Wilson, Nathan Broadhead, Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Dylan Lawlor, Rubin Colwill, and Isaak Davies during this international break due to various injuries.

Head coach Bellamy might look to make adjustments in the attacking third ahead of Thursday’s match, with Lewis Koumas potentially stepping in for Kieffer Moore.

Josh Sheehan could also feature in central midfield for the home team.

For Norway, Alexander Sorloth will be absent due to injury, but David Wolfe returns after serving his suspension in the last match against Portugal.

Oscar Bobb is likely to be reinstated in the starting lineup against Wales, coming back after an unexpected benching in the match with Portugal.

Erling Haaland added another goal to his tally against Portugal, bringing his total to 65 goals in 57 caps for Norway, and he is set to lead the attack again for the visitors.

Martin Odegaard faces a late fitness test due to an ankle concern.

Wales probable starting XI:

Ward; Roberts, Mepham, Davies, N Williams; Ampadu, Sheehan; D James, Johnson, Thomas; Koumas

Norway probable starting XI:

Newland; Aursnes, Ajer, Lysaker Heggem, Ryerson; Odegaard, Berge, Berg; Bobb, Haaland, Nusa

Wales is currently struggling, and they will host a strong Norway side; it’s anticipated that the visitors will secure all three points.