Norway’s 2026 World Cup squad has produced a unique football story, with three players following in the footsteps of their fathers, who also represented the Scandinavian nation on football’s biggest stage.
Forwards Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth, with midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt, are all sons of former Norway internationals who featured at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, making them the first known trio of second-generation players to appear together for a national team at the tournament.
Their fathers, Alf-Inge Haaland, Goran Sorloth and Erik Thorstvedt, were part of the Norway side that competed at USA 1994. All three were involved in Norway’s 1-0 defeat to Italy during the group stage on June 23, 1994.
Goalkeeper Erik Thorstvedt was in goal when Dino Baggio scored the match-winning goal for Italy, while Alf-Inge Haaland played the full match and received a yellow card. Although Goran Sorloth remained on the bench for that encounter but later started Norway’s final group-stage game against Ireland.
More than three decades later, their sons have returned Norway to the World Cup in the United States, ending the country’s 28-year absence from the tournament.
Haaland announced his arrival at the competition with two goals in Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq in the opening match, while Sorloth started alongside him in attack with Thorstvedt featuring as a substitute.
Although none of the three players had been born when their fathers played at USA 1994, all grew up hearing stories of Norway’s World Cup adventure.
Speaking to FIFA, Sorloth described the tournament as a family tradition.
“I like that the World Cup has become a family thing,” he said.
“He told me that USA 1994 was hot, very different from what he was used to. My father was the most influential person in my career and taught me so much of what I know, especially between the ages of five and 14. It’s rare and wonderful that I’m at the World Cup just like him.”
Haaland also reflected on the unique experience of having a father who played at the World Cup.
“It’s a bit strange to have a father who played in the World Cup. I remember seeing his number 18 shirt at home. It will be nice to do the same thing,” he said.
