Norway will return to the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ following a six-year absence after winning a dramatic play-off with Türkiye. A 1-1 draw took the bout to extra time and then penalties, where the pair netted 19 perfect spot-kicks in a row, before Martin Borsheim saved Türkiye’s tenth to punch their ticket to Chile 2025.
Bjorn Johansen’s side will be tasked with becoming the first Norway side to escape the group stage at these finals, after first-round exits in 1989, 1993 and 2019. Despite their first round-exit in Poland six years ago, the nation still made history as Erling Haaland scored nine times in a record 12-0 win over Honduras to power his way to the adidas Golden Boot.
Norway’s Group F fixtures
29 September
Norway-Nigeria (17:00 local time, Estadio Fiscal)
2 October
Colombia-Norway (17:00 local time, Estadio Fiscal)
6 October
Saudi Arabia-Norway (20:00 local time, Estadio El Teniente)
The coach: Bjorn Johansen
A Tromso legend during his playing days, former midfielder Johansen is one of a select number of players to rack up more than 300 matches for the Boys across three stints with the club. He also featured for Viking and Swedish outfit Helsingborg before hanging up his boots in 2006.
Following retirement, he went on to coach Finnsnes and Fredrikstad before moving into the international setup in 2023. He took over a joint role of coaching the U15, U16 and U17 Norway sides until this January when, following the departure of Luis Pimenta, he made the step up to the U18, U19 and U20 teams. As well as having a wealth of experience at coaching the underage levels, Johansen also travelled to the U20’s first tournament visit at Saudi Arabia 1989.
Star player: Runar Norheim
Speedy and tricky winger Norheim is one of a number of Norway youngsters who have already broken into the first-team picture at club level, with his exploits for Tromso earning plenty of good reviews.
While Norheim can play on the right he is most at home on the left-hand side. His pace can see him burn past his marker and cross the ball or cut it back, while his dribbling and crossing ability means he offers plenty of threat when cutting inside.
One to watch: Daniel Braut
Another Tromso star, striker Braut top-scored at the UEFA European U-19 Championship which saw Norway reach the finals. He netted three of the nation’s four goals – including both in the 2-0 win over Northern Ireland – as well as his penalty in the shootout win over Türkiye.
Standing at 1.9m, Braut is a towering presence. Despite his height, however, he is comfortable on the ball and often drops deep to link play and receive cut-backs. Comfortable off either foot and strong in the air, Norway will have a true all-rounder leading their line in Chile.
