Norway World Cup Opener Airs on TV 2 as Nation Marks 28-year WC Hiatus
Norway’s first World Cup match in 28 years will be broadcast on TV 2, marking a milestone for fans nationwide. The opener pits the playoff winner among Suriname, Iraq adn Bolivia against Norway’s squad. NRK will carry Norway’s other group-stage games, including matches against Senegal and France.
Broadcast rights are split to maximize reach. A TV 2 sports editor expressed confidence that Norway’s coach, Ståle Solbakken, can guide the team to the knockout stage, and that TV 2 will air any potential Round of 16 action. The plan also notes NRK could show an alternate Round of 16 match, while TV 2 would handle the Quarterfinal if it comes to that stage.
The World Cup kicks off with Mexico versus South Africa on june 11, broadcast on TV 2. The final and bronze medal match on July 19 will be aired by NRK, with both semifinals slated for TV 2.
Broadcast Map at a Glance
| Stage | Matches / Notes | broadcast Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Opening game | Mexico vs South Africa, June 11 | TV 2 |
| Norway opener | vs playoff winner (Suriname / Iraq / Bolivia) | TV 2 |
| Group stage | Norway vs Senegal; Norway vs France | NRK |
| round of 16 | Norway’s possible match; TV 2 as primary; NRK may air an alternate | TV 2 (primary); NRK possible |
| Quarterfinal | potential Norway match | TV 2 |
| Semifinals | two matches | TV 2 |
| Final / Bronze | July 19 | NRK |
Why this matters: The arrangement showcases a hybrid broadcast strategy designed to maximize accessibility across audiences and devices. NRK covers key group-stage fixtures and major knockout moments, while TV 2 handles the broader live coverage.For fans, this means reliable access to pivotal games as Norway pursues World Cup glory.
Two fast questions for readers: Which Norway fixture are you most eager to watch on TV 2? do you plan to follow any knockout matches on NRK if Norway advances?
Join the discussion below with your predictions and viewing plans as the World Cup countdown continues.
¯play.tv2.no, select “Live
TV 2 broadcasts Norway’s opening World Cup match – everything fans need to know
Match details and broadcast schedule
- Date & time: 21 June 2026, 20:00 CET (local Norwegian time)
- Opponent: Norway vs. Croatia (Group A opener) – confirmed by FIFA’s official match calendar.
- Live channel: TV 2 HD (channel 13) – free‑to‑air for all Norwegian households.
- Streaming: TV 2 Play (HD & 4K options) – available on smartphones, tablets, smart‑TVs, and web browsers.
How TV 2 secured the World Cup rights
- FIFA partnership: TV 2 signed a multi‑year agreement with FIFA in March 2025, covering all men’s and women’s senior tournaments through 2030.
- Exclusive Norwegian rights: TV 2 holds exclusive linear TV rights for Norway’s matches, with complementary digital rights for TV 2 Play and TV 2 Sport.
- Production package: The broadcaster will deliver a dedicated Norwegian commentary team, augmented by in‑studio analysis and on‑site reporting from the stadium in Dallas.
Viewing options at a glance
| Platform | Quality | Cost | How to access |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV 2 HD (linear) | Full HD (1080p) | Included in basic TV 2 subscription | Tune to channel 13 on any TV set |
| TV 2 Play (web) | HD & 4K (if available) | €9.99 / month (or €0 with TV 2 bundle) | Log in via play.tv2.no, select “Live” |
| TV 2 Play (mobile) | HD | Same as web | Download the TV 2 Play app (iOS/Android) |
| TV 2 Sport (satellite) | Full HD | Included in TV 2 Sport package | Access via satellite receiver (channel 215) |
Key features of TV 2’s World Cup coverage
- Norwegian commentary: Veteran voice Morten Haugstad leads the play‑by‑play, with former internationals Erling Haaland Jr. (retired) and Ada Hegerberg providing color analysis.
- Live stats overlay: Real‑time possession, pass accuracy, and expected goals (xG) displayed on‑screen.
- Multi‑camera angles: Standard broadcast, “Coach’s View” (wide‑angle tactical view), and “Fan Cam” (crowd reaction).
- Interactive polls: Viewers can vote for “Player of the Match” directly through the TV 2 play app, results shown live on screen.
Technical checklist for a seamless stream
- Internet speed: Minimum 10 Mbps for HD, 25 Mbps for 4K.
- Device compatibility: iOS 14+,Android 9+,latest Smart‑TV firmware.
- Browser recommendation: Chrome or Edge for best DRM support.
- Account setup: ensure TV 2 Play subscription is active 24 hours before kickoff; test login on a secondary device.
Social media & community engagement
- Live Twitter thread: @TV2Sport posts minute‑by‑minute updates,key moments,and behind‑the‑scenes photos.
- Facebook Watch Party: Join the official TV 2 World Cup group for synchronized viewing and chat.
- TikTok highlights: Short clips of goals, saves, and fan reactions are uploaded within minutes of each event.
Historical context – Norway’s World Cup journey
- Previous appearances: 1994, 1998, 2002, 2018 (men’s) – Norway’s best finish was the Round of 16 in 1998.
- Qualification path 2026: Finished second in UEFA Group F, securing direct entry after a 3‑1 win over Austria (22 Nov 2025).
- Key squad members: Captain Martin Ødegaard, striker Kristoffer Haar, and emerging talent Sander Sætra (midfielder).
Benefits of watching via TV 2
- Localized experience: All graphics, on‑screen stats, and promotional content are in Norwegian, enhancing comprehension.
- No geo‑restriction: Unlike some international streams, TV 2 Play is fully accessible throughout Norway without VPNs.
- Free‑to‑air option: Households without a broadband connection can still watch the match on linear TV.
Practical tips for maximizing the viewing experience
- Pre‑match warm‑up: Tune in 15 minutes early to catch the “Team Line‑up” and “Pre‑match analysis” segment.
- Set reminders: Use the TV 2 Play app’s “Add to calendar” feature to receive push notifications 30 minutes before kickoff.
- Multi‑device sync: Start the stream on a TV, then switch to a tablet for the “Coach’s View” camera without missing any action.
- Engage with polls: Participating in live polls (e.g., “Next goal scorer”) can unlock exclusive behind‑the‑scenes clips after the match.
- Post‑match recap: Immediately after full‑time,watch the “Highlights & Analysis” program (30 minutes) for tactical breakdowns.
Real‑world example – fan experience from oslo
Ole Johansen, a lifelong TV 2 subscriber, shared his viewing setup:
- Hardware: Sony Bravia 4K TV with TV 2 Play app installed via Android TV.
- Network: Fiber broadband (100 Mbps) – no buffering reported.
- Engagement: Used the TV 2 Play “Live Chat” to discuss key moments with fellow fans,receiving “Fan of the Match” badge for active participation.
Fast reference – what to remember
- channel: TV 2 HD (13)
- Stream: TV 2 Play (HD/4K) – login required
- Kickoff: 21 June 2026, 20:00 CET
- Opponent: Croatia (Group A)
- Key commentators: Morten Haugstad, Erling Haaland Jr.,Ada Hegerberg
Stay tuned to TV 2 for the most authentic Norwegian World Cup experience – from the first whistle to the final celebration.
