The Norwegian team faces Estonia this Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Ullevaal Stadium, in Oslo, in the ninth round of Group I of the European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Ståle Solbakken confirmed the starting lineup in 4-4-2, with Ørjan Nyland in goal and Erling Haaland as captain in attack. The match takes place at 2pm Brasília time and could guarantee Norway’s direct place in the World Cup after 28 years.
The Scandinavian team leads the group with 18 points from six wins, scoring 26 goals in the campaign. Haaland, top scorer with 12 goals, is the highlight, while the defense seeks to maintain solidity with only three goals conceded. Slovenian referee Matej Jug referees the game, with an average of 0.27 cards per match.
Formation of Estonia
Estonia adopts a 4-2-3-1 formation for the match, with Karl Hein in goal and Rasmus Peetson in defense. Coach Jürgen Henn opts for an offensive line led by Rauno Sappinen, despite the injury absences of Mattias Kait and Maksim Paskotsi. The Baltic team occupies fourth place with four points, with no chance of qualifying.
With seven defeats in eight games, Estonia scored just fivegoals in the Qualifiers. The focus is on the honor of ending the campaign with a positive result, but the FIFA ranking, 130th place, reflects the difficulties against stronger opponents.
- Huh (goalkeeper);
- Peetson, Kuusk, Mets (captain), Schjønning-Larsen;
- Soomets, Palumets;
- Saarma, Shein, Sinyavskiy;
- Sappinen (center forward).
Recent team performance
Norway arrives undefeated in the Qualifiers, with victories over Italy, Israel and Moldova. In the last match, Haaland scored three goals against Israel, consolidating the attack as the most prolific in Europe. The team trained in Oslo during the week, adjusting marking to neutralize counterattacks.
Estonia drew with Moldova in the previous round, but lost the other duels by elastic scores. The midfield relies on Mattias Soomets to create plays, while the defense has conceded 22 goals in the campaign. Henn emphasized physical preparation to withstand the Norwegian pace.
The recent history favors Norway, who won the only previous clash 1-0, scored by Haaland. Both teams complete the FIFA Date with this game, but the Estonian focus is on the following friendly against Cyprus.
Tactical strategies on the field
Solbakken plans to exploit the wings with Oscar Bobb and Antonio Nusa, overloading the Estonian defense. Berge and Patrick Berg anchor the middle, allowing quick transitions for Haaland and Alexander Sørloth. The 4-4-2 formation aims to dominate ball possession, over 60% in previous matches.
Henn bets on a compact defensive posture, with counterattacks via Saarma and Sinyavskiy. The line of four defenders prioritizes covering spaces, but injuries limit the options. Estonia practiced set-piece scenarios, where they scored two of their five goals.
Where to watch live in Brazil
The broadcast takes place on ESPN 4, a pay TV channel, and on Disney+ streaming. Subscribers access the game from 1:45 pm, with pre-game including lineup analysis. Platforms like the ESPN app offer HD and multi-device options.
For international fans, channels like ETV in Estonia and global services like Fubo broadcast the match. In Brazil, coverage includes narration in Portuguese, focusing on Haaland’s actions.
- ESPN 4: open TV for subscribers;
- Disney+: On-demand streaming, at no extra cost;
- Applications: Available on smart TVs and mobiles.
Featured Players
Erling Haaland leads Norway with impressive efficiency, converting 12 of 15 successful shots in the Qualifiers. At 25 years old, the Manchester City striker has scored 32 goals for the national team, surpassing national records. His presence attracts double marking, opening spaces for Sørloth.
In Estonia, Rauno Sappinen is the main scorer, with two goals in the campaign. The 29-year-old center forward plays for Paide Linnameeskond and represents offensive hope. Other names like Kevor Palumets, in midfield, contribute with decisive passes.
The match marks Estonia’s last chance at official games this year, as Norway aims to consolidate at the top. Substitutions like Jørgen Strand Larsen for the home team and Henri Anier for the visitors could change the momentum in the second half.
