Solbakken reveals he almost quit Norway before World Cup turnaround

Ståle Solbakken has admitted he came close to stepping down after Norway’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024, a moment he describes as one of the lowest points of his tenure. The story is detailed in Oppstandelsen, a new book charting Norway’s journey from that crisis to their remarkable World Cup qualification. Author Alfred Fidjestøl gained rare access to the team’s inner circle, attending closed sessions and speaking extensively with Solbakken and captain Martin Ødegaard.

Following the decisive defeat to Spain in October 2023, Solbakken gathered key staff only hours later, telling them he needed to “evaluate everything” and consider whether he still had the belief to continue. Public criticism was intense, and he felt he had let the nation down. Yet the reset proved transformative. Norway went on to win their Nations League group and then opened World Cup qualifying with eight straight victories, securing their long‑awaited return to the global stage.