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Former Liverpool star John Arne Riise has shared insights into how Norway’s emergence as a football powerhouse has been years in development, not merely the result of Erling Haaland’s remarkable goal-scoring feats.

Stale Solbakken’s Norway are set to meet England in Miami tonight, marking the nation’s first appearance in a major tournament quarter-final.

With a population of just 5.6 million, Norway is witnessing a golden era in football, led by captain Martin Odegaard and prolific striker Erling Haaland. Haaland netted both goals in the 2-0 last-16 victory over Brazil, taking his tally to seven goals at the 2026 World Cup.

Although Haaland understandably grabs headlines, Norway’s squad boasts considerable quality across the pitch. Odegaard, a Premier League-winning captain, is joined by dynamic wingers Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb, as well as Borussia Dortmund full-back Julian Ryerson.

Riise, Norway’s all-time record appearance holder with 110 caps earned between 2000 and 2013, will be in attendance at Hard Rock Stadium for Saturday’s quarter-final. The 45-year-old explained why a country with only four previous major tournament appearances has suddenly emerged as a genuine contender on the world stage.

“We’ve been working for many years with the younger generations in training,” Riise told FourFourTwo in association with BestBettingSites.co.uk. “At the same time, having players like Haaland, Odegaard, and Oscar Bobb performing so well helps because people can now see we’re not as weak as they might have assumed a few years ago.”

He continued, “We’ve concentrated on nurturing young players, ensuring they receive the right education and coaching to be ready for careers abroad. Most importantly, many of our players haven’t leapt straight from Norwegian football to Europe’s top clubs. They’ve progressed gradually.”

Riise pointed to Haaland as a perfect example: “Look at Haaland — he advanced step by step until he was completely prepared for Manchester City. Many of our players have taken similar paths, and that’s made a huge difference.”

The foundation of this success can be traced back to 2015, when the Norwegian Football Association launched the Landslagsskolen, or National Team School (NTS). Talented youngsters join the NTS at age 12, receiving coaching from top national trainers while continuing to play for their local clubs.

By around age 15, they transition to leading club academies, and most of Solbakken’s 26-man World Cup squad are products of this system.

While Haaland’s talent was evident early, he didn’t move to a top European club until age 19, when he joined Borussia Dortmund in January 2020. Before that, he played for his hometown club Bryne, then Molde in Norway’s top division, and later RB Salzburg in Austria at 18.

After two and a half successful seasons at Dortmund, Haaland signed for Manchester City in summer 2022 for £51 million. He scored an astonishing 52 goals in his debut season, helping Pep Guardiola’s side secure a historic Treble.

As Riise summarised, Haaland’s readiness to perform at the highest level from the moment he arrived at the Etihad exemplifies Norway’s methodical approach to player development — an approach now driving their quest for World Cup success.