In the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Norway’s team featured three players: goalkeeper Erik Thorstvedt, midfielder Alf-Inge Haaland, and forward Gøran Sørloth. Thirty-two years later, the United States is once again hosting the World Cup, completing a remarkable circle in history. This time, the Norwegian jerseys on the field belong to their sons—Kristian Thorstvedt, Erling Haaland, and Alexander Sørloth. When all three played together in the group stage match against Iraq, Norway became the first nation in FIFA World Cup history to field three sons of former World Cup players in the same game.
The story that began in America has come full circle there. The 1994 World Cup was special for Norway; it was their first World Cup appearance since 1938. The squad featured Alf-Inge Haaland, Gøran Sørloth, and Erik Thorstvedt playing together. They secured qualification by surpassing the Netherlands and eliminating England. In the tournament, Norway defeated Mexico 1-0, lost to Italy 1-0, and drew 0-0 with Ireland. Although four teams ended with four points each in the group, Norway’s campaign ended at the group stage due to goal difference. Now, the sons of these three players are competing again on American soil in the World Cup.
Erling Haaland said, “Making my World Cup debut and securing a win for Norway after 28 years fills me with pride.” Gøran Sørloth, who earned 55 caps and scored 15 goals for Norway, is the father of Alexander Sørloth, who has played for 13 clubs across 14 seasons in Europe. Erik Thorstvedt was Norway’s first-choice goalkeeper in 1994, and his son Kristian Thorstvedt now plays as a midfielder.
Norway has had an impressive start to this tournament, beating Iraq 4-1 and Senegal 3-2, securing their place in the knockout stage. This team is considered Norway’s ‘golden generation.’ The fathers played in the 1994 World Cup on American soil, and 32 years later, their sons have made history at the same venue. In football, stories of legacy are common, but Norway’s tale is greater than a legacy—it is a remarkable World Cup chapter written by three families spanning two generations.
