Overview
The Norwegian team will enter the confrontation with Sweden in the mindset of the team with the most impressive form in Northern Europe. Coach Stale Solbakken's team leads the World Cup qualifying group with a record of all wins after 8 matches, scoring 37 goals and conceding only five goals.
Although they have just gone through two winless matches in the recent friendly series, losing to the Netherlands 1-2 and drawing with Switzerland 0-0, those results do not overshadow Norway's excellent performance in the past time. This team has only suffered two defeats in the last 18 matches in all competitions, showing remarkable stability under Solbakken.
Head-to-head history is also supporting the home team. Norway has been unbeaten in the last six encounters with Sweden, including two consecutive victories. The last time the two teams met was in June 2022, Norway won 3-2 in an exciting match.
Home ground continues to be a great support for Erling Haaland and his teammates. Norway currently has a 12-match unbeaten streak when playing at home, including 9 wins.
In the opposite direction, Sweden also brought positive signals. The yellow-green team has just had two consecutive victories, of which the 3-2 victory over Poland is noteworthy, helping them win tickets to the World Cup.
Coach Graham Potter, who was appointed in October 2025, is gradually making his mark. Although he has only led the national team for a short time, the English strategist still maintains an unbeaten record in the last 3 matches.
However, the defense is still a concern for Sweden. This team has scored 7 goals in their current unbeaten streak but also conceded four times. If both teams score in the next match, it will be Sweden's fifth consecutive match with an attractive head-to-head scenario.
The away form of the Northern European team is also not really convincing. Although just defeated Ukraine 3-1 in the most recent away match, Sweden previously only drew one and lost two in 3 consecutive away matches.
With home advantage and superior head-to-head record, Norway is rated higher. However, Sweden under Graham Potter is showing signs of improvement and can completely create an unpredictable match.
Personnel situation
On the Norwegian side, Haaland is almost certain to lead the attack. The Manchester City striker is facing a memorable milestone when he has the opportunity to score his 56th goal for the national team in his 50th appearance.
Supporting Haaland in attack is likely to be the duo Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb. Meanwhile, midfielder Sander Berge is expected to continue to take on the role of anchor in the center of midfield.
In defense, Kristoffer Ajer and Leo Ostigard are top choices in the center of defense, playing in front of captain goalkeeper Orjan Haskjold Nyland.
On the Swedish side, Alexander Isak had some physical problems in the final stage of the Premier League season. However, when not seriously injured, the Newcastle United striker is likely to still play from the start to maintain his feeling of playing before the World Cup.
The away team's midfield can see the presence of Jesper Karlstrom and Yasin Ayari. This duo will support a three-man defense consisting of captain Victor Lindelof, Carl Starfelt and Gustaf Lagerbielke.
Expected lineup:
Norway: Nyland, Pedersen, Ajer, Ostigard, Bjorkan, Thorstvedt, Berge, Thorsby, Bobb, Haaland, Nusa.
Sweden: Nordfeldt, Lagerbielke, Starfelt, Lindelof, Svensson, Ayari, Karlstrom, Gudmundsson, Elanga, Nygren, Isak.
The match between Norway and Sweden takes place at 0:00 AM on June 2nd (Vietnam time).
