As Norway's football team gears up for their critical World Cup quarter-final clash against England in Miami, a dedicated group of women stands ready to cheer them on. These are the wives and girlfriends, affectionately known as WAGs, whose lives intersect with the high-stakes world of professional football. Far from merely being supportive partners, these women boast impressive careers and backgrounds, contributing their unique talents to various fields while balancing the demands of their partners' athletic professions.
Among Norway's most prominent WAGs is Isabel Haugseng Johansen, the long-term partner of superstar striker Erling Haaland. At 22, Johansen is already a familiar face, particularly to England fans, given Haaland's tenure with Manchester City since 2022. Their relationship, which blossomed from a childhood friendship in their hometown of Bryne where both trained at the same football academy, has evolved alongside their individual successes. Johansen, a former footballer herself, has transitioned into a burgeoning career in modeling and social media influencing. She recently graced the cover of Norway's KK magazine and actively shares her experiences in fashion, football, and travel on Instagram. The couple celebrated the arrival of their first child in December 2024, adding another dimension to their public and private lives.
Another power couple making waves is Martin Ødegaard, 27, and his wife Helene Spilling Ødegaard, 30. Helene is a celebrated professional dancer, having achieved national recognition by winning Norway's version of "Strictly Come Dancing" in 2021. Her prowess in ballroom dancing is further underscored by her 17 national gold medals and her representation of Norway in international competitions. Beyond her demanding performance schedule and television appearances, Spilling Ødegaard has ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing her own dance studio and a fashion label. The couple exchanged vows in 2024 and welcomed their son in December of the same year, illustrating their ability to thrive both personally and professionally.
Hedda Tveit, 23, the girlfriend of defender Henrik Falchener, 23, brings a different athletic background to the group. Tveit is a former professional skier who excelled at a national level after attending a specialized sports school. Although she has since moved away from competitive skiing, she remains actively involved in the sports world through her career in sports management. Originally based in Oslo, Tveit relocated to Stavanger to join Falchener after completing her degree, showcasing her commitment to their shared future.
Sara Pedersen, the partner of Morten Thorsby, 30, stands out with her formidable career as a high-flying commercial lawyer. Despite her demanding profession, Pedersen has been a consistent presence among Norway's most devoted supporters throughout the tournament. Known for her relatively private social media presence, her commitment to her partner is evident. Pedersen and Thorsby publicly confirmed their relationship just last year, and they married in a private ceremony in Pedersen's hometown of Ålesund in May, shortly before Thorsby departed for the World Cup.
Midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt, 27, receives unwavering support from his partner, Mille Fusdahl, 30. Fusdahl, a digital marketer from Oslo, made a significant life change by moving to Modena, Italy, to be with Thorstvedt, who plays for Sassuolo. Their relationship, which began after Fusdahl initiated contact upon seeing a video of Thorstvedt playing football, has been a source of strength for the footballer, who has often spoken about the importance of her encouragement throughout his career.
Former skier Julie Karlsen, 27, is the partner of midfielder Sander Berge, 28. Karlsen maintains a high degree of privacy, seldom sharing details of her personal life and only occasionally appearing with Berge during holidays or special events. Believed to have started their relationship in 2021, they welcomed their first child last year. Despite her private nature, Karlsen has actively shared glimpses of her World Cup experience, demonstrating her support for Berge as he competes against England.
Striker Alexander Sørloth, 30, is supported by his long-term girlfriend, Lena Selnes. Their relationship, spanning over a decade since they met in 2015 when Selnes was a student, has seen them build a family with two children. The couple generally keeps their private lives out of the public eye. Selnes, originally a kindergarten teacher, now dedicates her time to being a stay-at-home mother in Madrid, having moved across Germany, Spain, and Turkey to support Sørloth's football career. She is often joined by Sørloth's younger sister, Amelie, in cheering on the Norwegian team.
Finally, defender Leo Skiri Østigård, 26, recently experienced a unique moment when he witnessed the birth of his first child via FaceTime while away for the World Cup. His wife, Aurora Eidmann, 26, gave birth to their son last month. Eidmann prefers to stay out of the public spotlight, and little is known about her life. However, Østigård's deep commitment to her was publicly displayed during Norway's opening match against Iraq in Boston, where he celebrated a goal by forming the letter 'A' with his hands, a tribute that was followed by his teammates serenading him with "Daddy Cool."
These women are not merely accessories to their partners' fame but are accomplished individuals in their own right, embodying a blend of professional success, personal dedication, and unwavering support for their loved ones on the global stage. Their presence adds another layer of intrigue and glamour to the already captivating spectacle of the World Cup, as they brave the Miami heat to cheer on Norway's hopes for a semi-final berth.