Norway and Sweden meet at Ullevaal Stadium on Monday as both nations fine-tune their preparations ahead of next month’s World Cup campaign. With two friendlies remaining before tournament football arrives, this clash offers a crucial opportunity to address weaknesses and build momentum. The hosts arrive as heavy favorites against visitors still finding their rhythm under Graham Potter.

Analysis

Norway’s qualifying campaign was borderline flawless. Eight wins from eight matches, thirty-seven goals scored, just five conceded. Those numbers scream dominance. Yet Stale Solbakken’s side have stumbled since qualification wrapped. A 2-1 loss to the Netherlands followed by a goalless draw with Switzerland suggest defensive vulnerabilities and an attacking edge that’s dulled slightly. Neither result should trigger panic—friendlies carry different pressures—but the timing is awkward when tournament preparation demands sharpness. Still, context matters. Only two defeats in eighteen games overall keeps perspective intact.

Home has been a fortress. Twelve matches unbeaten at Ullevaal, with nine victories in that stretch. The atmosphere, familiarity and comfort of their own ground provides a genuine edge. Expect Norway to control possession and territory early, using their familiar surroundings to dictate tempo.

Erling Haaland remains the focal point. Fifty appearances approaching fifty-six goals for his country represents an extraordinary conversion rate. The Manchester City striker has consistently delivered on the international stage, thriving in spaces where his movement and finishing are devastating. Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb could flank him, while Sander Berge shields the backline from Fulham. Kristoffer Ajer and Leo Ostigard pair at centre-back, with Orjan Nyland in goal. This is a settled, confident lineup.

Sweden’s preparation has been messier under Potter. The 43-year-old took charge only in October 2025, so judging him fairly remains difficult after just four matches. Still, three consecutive victories show improvement. Their recent 3-2 win over Poland clinched World Cup qualification but also exposed defensive inconsistency. Four goals conceded across that unbeaten stretch suggests they’re shipping chances regularly. Away from home, consistency evaporates entirely. One win in their last four road trips, with two losses and a draw littering that record.

Alexander Isak could provide attacking thrust, but his hamstring concerns linger despite no formal injury designation. Getting minutes into his legs makes sense before the tournament, yet Potter may exercise caution if the Newcastle forward remains rusty. Jesper Karlstrom and Yasin Ayari will operate midfield duties, tasked with protecting a back three of Victor Lindelof, Carl Starfelt and Gustaf Lagerbielke. The formation suggests Potter wants defensive stability, though it invites pressure from creative opposition.

Norway hold the historical edge too. Six consecutive meetings unbeaten against Sweden, including a 3-2 victory when these sides last met in June 2022. That winning mentality, combined with home advantage, tilts this fixture sharply in the hosts’ direction.

Verdict

Norway’s home fortress, Haaland’s lethal finishing, and Sweden’s defensive fragility all point toward a comfortable hosts’ victory. Potter’s visitors lack the away-day solidity needed to frustrate Solbakken’s side, particularly when Ullevaal’s atmosphere bears down on them. The Swedes could trouble the scoreline briefly, but Norway should dominate and finish with all three points.

Tip

Expect Norway to win decisively. Back them to use this friendly to build confidence ahead of the World Cup, with Haaland finding the net and the hosts demonstrating why home advantage remains their greatest asset.