Norway’s national football team is seeking to build on a strong start at the 2026 World Cup, propelled by a unique legacy shared by three of its key players. Erling Haaland, Alexander Sorloth, and Kristian Thorstvedt each have fathers who represented Norway at the 1994 World Cup, also held in the United States.

The current generation’s tournament kicked off with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Iraq, setting a positive tone as they prepare to face Senegal on Monday. A win or draw in that match could secure Norway’s advancement to the knockout stage. They will conclude the group phase against France on Friday, a team widely regarded as one of the tournament favorites.

The 1994 World Cup marked the last appearance for the fathers of Haaland, Sorloth, and Thorstvedt, with the team exiting at the group stage. Alf-Inge Haaland, Goran Sorloth, and Erik Thorstvedt were part of that squad. Their sons now aim to surpass their predecessors’ achievements in this year’s competition.

Erling Haaland, who has followed in his father Alf-Inge’s footsteps by playing for Manchester City, expressed amusement at seeing old photographs of his father during the 1994 tournament. “He looks so young. I have never seen him with such long hair,” Haaland remarked. As Norway’s leading star, Haaland plays a central role in the team’s hopes.

Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth spoke recently about the significance of competing in a World Cup like his father, describing it as “simply great.” He credited his father’s guidance as foundational to his footballing knowledge. Sorloth also recounted his earliest World Cup memory from the 2002 tournament, which took place in Japan and South Korea while his family was on holiday in Denmark. “I was so excited to watch the World Cup with my father,” he said.

The Norwegian team is drawing considerable enthusiasm from supporters back home and abroad. On Monday in New Jersey, the squad will receive backing from members of the Norwegian royal family, with Hereditary Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus expected to attend the match.

Demonstrations of support have even extended to Norway’s parliament. On Thursday, lawmakers across political parties engaged in a symbolic Viking rowing routine to show solidarity with the national team.

As Norway’s current players aim to carve out their own legacy at the 2026 World Cup, the connection to their fathers’ past experiences adds a distinctive narrative to their quest for success.