Haikin gains Norwegian citizenship as World Cup door opens

Nikita Haikin, the goalkeeper with the most saves in this season’s Champions League, has officially obtained Norwegian citizenship, giving him a realistic chance of joining Ståle Solbakken’s World Cup squad. The Bodø/Glimt keeper, who has lived in Norway since 2019 and is married to a Norwegian citizen, has long been discussed as a potential national‑team option.

The Norwegian FA confirmed the approval but stressed he is not yet eligible to play. FIFA must still authorise a change of association, and an application will be submitted once all documents are prepared. Only after approval can Solbakken decide whether Haikin merits inclusion.

The coach insists he will be evaluated like any other candidate, with Ørjan Nyland currently first choice. Norway will name a provisional squad on 11 May before final selections on 1 June. Haikin, previously holding Russian, Israeli and British citizenships, has excelled in Europe, recording a competition‑leading 68 saves.