| Tester | Team | ME | Win % | PPG | AGF | AGA | GD | PL | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tobias Kolsrud |
Norway
|
26.3.0 | 88% | 2.75 | 3.0 | 0.9 | 2.13 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
A Norway-inspired 4-3-3 built around direct transitions, aggressive wing-backs and an asymmetric right side.
The main idea is to use Alexander Sørloth as a wide aerial outlet. The goalkeeper can play long towards him, allowing Norway to bypass pressure and immediately attack the second ball. Julian Ryerson overlaps from right-back, Fredrik Aursnes moves into the channel and Erling Haaland stays central as the main goal threat. On the opposite side, Andreas Schjelderup or Antonio Nusa provide width and carry the ball inside.
Martin Ødegaard is given freedom to roam, dribble and attempt riskier passes, while Sander Berge holds his position and protects the defence. Out of possession, the team regroups into a compact shape before pressing higher up the pitch, forcing opponents wide and defending crosses with a physically strong back line.
The tactic won the 2026 World Cup with Norway, scoring 24 goals in eight matches. The run included victories over France, Germany, Belgium and England, with a penalty shootout win against the Netherlands. Norway beat England 4-1 in the final, while Haaland scored 11 goals and Sørloth added five from the right wing.
This is not a possession-dominant system. It is designed to be direct, efficient and difficult to defend against, using Haaland’s finishing, Sørloth’s aerial strength and the movement of the midfield and wing-backs to create repeated overloads.
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Test Results
Norway
| ME | Win % | PPG | AGF | AGA | GD | PL | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26.3.0 | 88% | 2.75 | 3.0 | 0.9 | 2.13 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
Results and tournament performance
The screenshots above show the full World Cup run and the type of football this tactic produced. Norway finished the tournament unbeaten with seven wins and one draw, progressing on penalties against the Netherlands before beating Belgium 2–1 and England 4–1 in the final.
The tactic was not designed to dominate possession. Norway often allowed stronger opponents to control the ball, but remained compact, attacked quickly and created chances for the players best suited to finish them. This was especially clear against Germany, Belgium and England, where the team was extremely efficient despite having less possession.
Norway finished as the tournament’s highest-scoring team with 24 goals. Erling Haaland scored 11 goals in seven appearances and won four Player of the Match awards, while Alexander Sørloth contributed five goals from the right wing. Julian Ryerson’s overlapping runs were also crucial, and he finished the tournament with several assists and the most tackles won by any player.
The 3–0 victory over France was achieved with all eleven regular starters rested, as qualification had already been secured. France still fielded a strong team because they needed the result, which showed that the system could also work with Norway’s second-choice players.
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