Twenty-eight years is a long time to wait. Norway’s last appearance in the World Cup knockout stage came in 1998, when a young Ståle Solbakken was still pulling on the national team jersey as a player. Now, as the man in the dugout, he’s brought the country back to that same stage.
Following Norway’s progression from the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, Solbakken delivered a post-match team talk that quickly took on a life of its own. The moment that caught everyone’s attention: a direct, almost theatrical address to the man waiting in the next round.
“Carlo Ancelotti, we’re coming for you.”
Solbakken later clarified the line was a light-hearted joke, offered with genuine respect for one of football’s most decorated coaches.
How Norway got here
