Stale Solbakken: Norway Coach Prefers Couch to World Cup Draw

Norway Coach Stale Solbakken dishes on FIFA World Cup Draw

Norway coach Stale Solbakken opens up about his reluctance to attend the FIFA World Cup draw, citing his dislike for red-carpet events.

“I would have preferred not having to go to Washington...” 

Norwegian national team coach Ståle Solbakken is drowning in dread as the FIFA World Cup draw looms. He's been forced to attend the ceremony at the Kennedy Center in Washington, but honestly, he'd rather be chilling at home, sipping coffee and watching the draw from his couch, says Solbakken in the latest episode of the podcast “Bakrommet.”

Solbakken's not thrilled about being in Washington, and he's pretty open about it. He'd rather be anywhere else, doing anything else, than attending the draw. But, duty calls, and he'll be there, putting on a brave face.

Ståle Solbakken is trying to spin a positive vibe, saying, “These are exciting days. Not just for me, but for a whole nation, considering where they will spend their holidays this summer. It will be very exciting with that draw.” He's hyping up the moment, but let's be real, he'd rather be anywhere else. Solbakken admits, “I would have preferred not having to go to Washington,” preferring to watch the draw from the comfort of his own home.

“I hate it. Brede Hangeland (assistant) has taken care of all the draws so far. The Nations League, the European Championship qualifiers, Brede has taken everything. He really really wants to be part of this, and we agreed that he should go, but now there is no way around it. The head coach must be there,” says Solbakken.

Solbakken's trying to keep it low-key, delaying his trip to the US until Thursday, December 4, while the rest of the Norwegian Football Association delegation heads over on Wednesday. He's keeping his visit short and sweet, getting everything done ASAP.

Read Also: FIFA Unveils 2026 World Cup Schedule

The reason? Solbakken's not a fan of FIFA's over-the-top events, calling them “red carpets, glitz and glamour” - yeah, he's not into it. He's keeping it real, focusing on the football, not the fancy stuff.

“I've never liked it at all... Firstly, I'm terrible at “small talk.” Secondly, this does not interest me in any way. It doesn't. I would really like to lie on the sofa with snacks and Pepsi Max and watch the draw, instead of sitting in that hall. But it won't be like that.”

FIFA's got strict rules about who's allowed to participate in the World Cup draw, according to Solbakken. They're specific about who gets to be part of the draw from each country.

“There must be one delegation leader, one administrator, one security manager, one media person, one handyman, etc... Then someone from the federation will remain in the USA depending on where we are drawn, to find our “base camp” and all that. But I'm going home,” he says.