Martin Odegaard is experiencing a career-defining period, having captained Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years and now taking the armband for Norway’s 26-man squad heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The midfielder’s leadership was pivotal as Arsenal secured the Premier League trophy for the first time since 2004, ending two decades of near misses and disappointment.

Despite an injury-affected campaign, Odegaard remained an influential figure, guiding the Gunners through a challenging season that also saw them competing in a Champions League Final. The triumph was a moment of immense pride and emotion for the Norwegian.

“It feels unreal, hard to put it into words, but just so proud, happy and emotional. It’s a crazy, crazy feeling,” Odegaard told Arsenal Media after the title win. “Walking up with the trophy and just realising everything, is a mad feeling. I’m just so proud of everyone for the way we did it and everything we’ve been through, and to finally get over the line just means the world to everyone, so I’m so happy.”

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Norway’s World Cup challenge

Following his club success, Odegaard now turns his attention to international duty, leading Norway into the expanded 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. The squad announcement itself made headlines, delivered by the King of Norway via a pre-recorded social media video, a moment that even left some players in disbelief.

Derby County defender Sondre Langas, quoted by NRK, admitted, “I didn’t trust it [the squad] until the video was finished. I didn’t trust the King for a second.”

The Norway squad features a strong contingent of Premier League talent, including Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Fulham’s Oscar Bobb, and Crystal Palace forward Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Hamburg goalkeeper Sander Tangvik also made the cut, earning an uncapped call-up. The tournament is set to run from June 11 to July 19.

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Norway will kick off their World Cup campaign in Boston on June 16 against Iraq. Their group stage fixtures will also see them face Senegal and France, presenting a formidable challenge for Odegaard and his teammates on the global stage.

Sources: Arsenal.com

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