Wales v Norway: Nations League preview and confirmed lineups for Cardiff clash

Wales will host Norway at the Cardiff City Stadium on October 1 (BST) in their third match of the UEFA Nations League 2026-27, with Craig Bellamy’s side facing Ståle Solbakken’s team. Both teams arrive having suffered defeats in recent group games and will look for a response in Cardiff.

Wales have lost their opening two Nations League fixtures, falling 0-1 to Portugal and 0-2 to Denmark, and remain without a goal in the campaign, placing added pressure on their attack. Norway were beaten 1-2 by Portugal in their last outing; the 36-year-old goalkeeper, Ørjan Nyland, made multiple errors that cost the Landslaget three points, and the visitors have been urged to tighten their backline. Norway travel to Cardiff with a squad that includes several established attacking options, while Wales retain home advantage at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Brennan Johnson created the joint-most chances (4) for Wales in their previous match but failed to score, and he has been identified as a player who will need to step up for the Red Dragons to return to winning ways. Wales’ attacking issues so far in the tournament are a clear concern for Craig Bellamy’s side going into this fixture.

Erling Haaland was Norway’s sole goalscorer in the 1-2 loss to Portugal; the 26-year-old took the most shots (8) and registered the joint-most touches (7) in the opposition box in that game. Those attacking metrics underline Haaland’s central role for Ståle Solbakken’s side going into the Cardiff meeting.

All of the squad members for both Wales and Norway are ready to be in action. Wales (likely XI): Ward (GK); Roberts, Mepham, Davies, Williams; Ampadu, Savage; James, Johnson, Thomas; Moore. Norway (likely XI): Nyland (GK); Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Aursnes; Odegaard, Berge, Berg; Schjelderup, Haaland, Nusa.

Despite playing at home, Wales are likely to struggle given their current run of form, while Norway possess the personnel to push for three points. Erling Haaland and company should come out on top and secure three crucial points.

These sides will clash at the Cardiff City Stadium on October 1 (BST). India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV; USA: FOX Sports, FuboTV, ViX.