For the first time in 28 years, Norway is heading to the men’s FIFA World Cup. Here’s how to follow the tournament from Norway, whether you’re cheering on Haaland, Ødegaard and company, or your own home nation.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the biggest edition of the tournament yet, with 48 teams and 104 matches.
For football fans in Norway, this one feels different. Norway’s men have not appeared at a World Cup since France 1998, meaning an entire generation of supporters has grown up without seeing the national team on this stage.
That is set to change this summer. Norway will face Iraq, Senegal and France in the group stage, with games in the Boston and New York areas. Because of the North American host cities, the kick-off times vary from very convenient to decidedly late.
Whether you plan to watch at home, in a pub, or as part of a big-screen public event, here’s what to know about watching the 2026 World Cup in Norway.
Watching the World Cup on TV in Norway
The 2026 World Cup will be shown in Norway by NRK and TV 2, who are sharing the rights to the tournament.
Together, the broadcasters plan extensive coverage across television, streaming, radio, podcasts and online highlights. NRK will show 51 matches on TV, including two of Norway’s group games, a potential Norway round-of-16 match, the bronze final and the final itself.
TV 2 will open its coverage with the tournament’s first match, Mexico against South Africa, on 11 June. TV 2 will also show Norway’s first group-stage match against Iraq.
For viewers in Norway, that means the simplest way to follow the tournament is through NRK, NRK TV, TV 2, TV 2 Play and the broadcasters’ digital platforms. Some TV 2 content may depend on your TV package or TV 2 Play access, so it is worth checking this before the tournament begins.
NRK will also cover every match live on NRK Sport radio. This could be useful if you are travelling around Norway during the tournament, although the commentary will of course be in Norwegian.
Watching Broadcasts From Your Home Country
If you are visiting Norway during the World Cup, or you live in Norway but want to follow coverage from your home country, you may prefer to watch the broadcasts you are used to.
These broadcasts often include familiar presenters, commentary teams and pre-match build-up focused on your own national team.
However, many streaming services restrict access based on location. If you try to open your usual TV streaming app while travelling in Norway, you may find that live sport is blocked or unavailable.
A VPN can sometimes help travellers access their usual online services while abroad by allowing them to connect through their home country. This can be useful if you already pay for a TV package or streaming service and want to follow the World Cup with the commentary and coverage you know best.
Before using one, it is worth checking the terms of your streaming provider and making sure you have the right to access the service. Broadcast rights vary by country, and availability can change from one match to another.
For most people in Norway, NRK and TV 2 will be the simplest way to watch the World Cup. But for international fans who want coverage from home, a reliable VPN may be worth considering before the tournament begins.
Norway’s Group Stage Matches
Norway’s group-stage matches are spread across three very different kick-off times in Norwegian time.
Norway v Iraq will be shown by TV 2 and kicks off at midnight, technically the night of 16 June into 17 June in Norway.
Norway v Senegal will be shown by NRK and kicks off at 02:00 on 23 June Norwegian time.
Norway v France will also be shown by NRK and kicks off at 21:00 on 26 June Norwegian time.
That final group-stage match against France is likely to be the easiest one for families and casual fans to watch together. The first two matches, however, will require either a late night, an early alarm or a very flexible workplace the following morning.
What About the Late Kick-Offs?
The time difference is one of the biggest practical issues for anyone watching the 2026 World Cup in Norway. Many matches will be played in the evening in North America, which means late evening, midnight or early-morning kick-offs in Norway.
At home, this simply means planning ahead. If you want to watch every Norway game live, you may need to treat the first two group matches like a mini night shift.
In bars and public venues, the situation is more complicated. Norwegian alcohol rules and local licensing arrangements vary by municipality, so not every venue will be able to stay open for late-night games or serve alcohol throughout the night.
Some cities are preparing for this. Bergen, for example, has been working on special arrangements for extended opening and serving hours during the tournament. Even so, visitors should not assume that every pub will show every late-night game.
The safest approach is to check directly with the venue, book a table where possible, and pay close attention to the actual kick-off time in Norway rather than the local time listed by FIFA.
Watching the World Cup on Big Screens in Norway
Norway’s return to the World Cup has already sparked plans for major public screenings across the country.
In Oslo, Fotballfesten is planning events at Ullevaal Stadion and in Kongens gate. Ullevaal is especially symbolic, as it is the home of Norwegian football, while the city-centre screenings should appeal to visitors and locals who want a more festival-like atmosphere.
Bergen is also preparing for a busy World Cup summer. VM-festen at Trekanttomten by AdO Arena is advertising big screens inside and outside, along with a food court, bars, quizzes and live shows. The organisers say the event will include thousands of seats across indoor and outdoor areas, with free entry and the option to reserve a table.
Trondheim has several planned options too. Trondheim Spektrum is advertising Fotballfest i Spektrum from 11 June to 19 July, with plans to show matches in a large arena setting. Another VM-Festen event at Clarion Hotel Trondheim on Brattøra is also being promoted as a large indoor football venue.
In Stavanger, DNB Arena has announced plans for a major indoor World Cup event, while other local venues including sports bars are also expected to show matches.
There are also listings for public screenings, sports bars and big-screen events in places such as Ålesund, Jessheim, Lillestrøm, Askim, Tromsø and Bodø, amongst others.
Interest will be high, especially for the France match at 21:00 on 26 June. That is the one group-stage game that lands at a convenient evening time in Norway, making it ideal for big-screen events, after-work gatherings and pub viewings.
Tips for Visitors in Norway During the World Cup
If you are visiting Norway during the tournament, the World Cup could be a fun way to experience local culture. Norwegians are often passionate football followers, but major national team tournaments have been rare for the men’s side in recent decades.
Sports bars in the bigger cities are the easiest option for international visitors. Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger all have venues used to showing Premier League, Champions League and international football.
For fans of other nations, it is worth checking expat-friendly pubs and Irish or British-style sports bars, especially for England, Scotland, Germany, Brazil, Argentina and other well-supported teams. Just remember that late kick-offs may affect what is actually shown.
If you are travelling outside the cities, watching on NRK TV or TV 2 Play may be simpler than trying to find a venue. Good internet access is widespread in Norway, but if you are staying in a cabin, remote hotel or campsite, check the Wi-Fi before relying on streaming.
If you want to watch coverage from your home country, make sure you test your streaming service, subscription and VPN setup before kick-off.
A World Cup Summer Norway Has Waited 28 Years For
Football is hardly unusual in a Norwegian summer. The domestic season is in full swing, children’s tournaments take over pitches across the country, and many Norwegians follow club football closely throughout the warmer months.
But this summer will feel different. For many people in Norway, the 2026 World Cup will be the first time they have ever watched the Norwegian men’s team at the tournament.
The country’s last appearance came in 1998, long before Haaland, Ødegaard and many of today’s fans were old enough to remember it. That alone will give the tournament a special atmosphere, whatever happens on the pitch.
