Norway’s national team is already getting a taste of the conditions they could face at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with players enduring intense heat during training sessions in the United States this week.

Photos shared from the team’s camp showed several Norwegian players exhausted after workouts under the blazing sun. Striker Erling Haaland was seen sitting shirtless on top of a cooler soaked in sweat, while other teammates lay on the grass trying to recover from the demanding conditions.

For a squad more familiar with the colder climate of Scandinavia, the extreme temperatures represent a significant adjustment. Norway’s coaching staff appears determined to prepare players early for what is expected to be one of the hottest World Cups in recent memory.

The 2026 tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to include several matches played in high summer temperatures, especially in cities across the southern United States. Concerns about player fatigue and heat management have already become a talking point ahead of the competition.

Norway’s preparation reflects how seriously teams are treating the issue. Rather than waiting until the tournament begins, the squad has reportedly incorporated heat acclimatisation into its current training plans. Sports scientists often recommend gradual exposure to high temperatures to help athletes adapt physically before major competitions. This can improve endurance, hydration management, and recovery times during matches.

The images from training quickly spread online because of the contrast between Norway’s stereotypically cold environment and the brutal heat players were facing in America. Fans joked about the “Vikings” struggling in the sun, but the demanding sessions underline how physically challenging modern international football has become.

For Haaland in particular, expectations entering the 2026 World Cup will likely be enormous. The Manchester City striker remains the centerpiece of Norway’s golden generation and one of the most recognizable players in world football. Norway has missed several major tournaments in recent decades, so anticipation surrounding this squad continues to grow.

Alongside Haaland, players such as Martin Ødegaard have helped transform Norway into a far more competitive international side. Their focus now is not only on tactical preparation but also on handling the environmental demands of a month-long tournament across multiple climates and venues.

Training in difficult weather conditions is not unusual before major international competitions. Teams frequently use altitude camps, heat chambers, or overseas training bases to simulate tournament environments. However, the visible exhaustion shown by Norway’s players demonstrates just how punishing the American heat can be for athletes unaccustomed to it.

The 2026 World Cup is already expected to break records in scale, with an expanded format featuring 48 national teams and matches spread across North America. As excitement builds, discussions about travel, scheduling, player welfare, and climate conditions are becoming increasingly important.

For Norway, these early sessions may prove valuable months from now. If the team hopes to make a deep run at the tournament, adapting to the weather could become just as important as tactics or talent.

Source: Compiled from various sources