Norway fields three second‑generation players at World Cup 2026

Norway made history in its opening match of the 2026 World Cup, a 4‑1 victory over Iraq, by fielding three players whose fathers also represented the nation at a World Cup 32 years earlier. Forward Erling Haaland, son of former international Alf‑Inge Haaland, scored a double and provided an assist, matching his father’s legacy with a strong debut. Striker Alexander Sorloth, son of Goran Sorloth, and midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt, son of goalkeeper Erik Thorstvedt, also appeared, marking the first time three second‑generation players have featured together in a World Cup squad. Both the 1994 and 2026 tournaments were hosted in the United States, linking the two generations through the same host nation. Haaland’s performance highlighted his prolific career – 57 goals in 51 caps – while his teammates looked to surpass their fathers’ records.