NISO says workload for Norwegian players is unsustainable

Norwegian players face an unsustainable workload following four international matches in twelve days, according to the players’ union NISO, which reported on October 4, 2026, that the physical strain has already affected multiple athletes.

NISO Demands New System After Heavy Match Schedule

The intense international schedule followed summer’s football World Cup and a demanding start at Manchester City involving multiple tournaments, leaving striker Erling Braut Haaland visibly fatigued after walking off the pitch in Porto. Following the match against Portugal in the Nations League at Estádio do Dragão, Haaland departed quickly via private plane with several teammates. This congestion mirrors the previous summer when Haaland played in the Club World Cup in the United States.

NISO leader Kristoffer Vatshaug stated that the union has observed a worrying development where the load on elite players has become far too high. Vatshaug warned that the current path compromises player health and is unsustainable over time, noting that athletes will push themselves extremely far before stopping on their own. NISO plans to address the issue directly with the Norwegian Football Federation and domestic top-tier clubs to establish a protective framework for players who want to perform for both club and country.

Commentary and Team Performance Impact

TV 2 commentator Øyvind Alsaker noted in “Snakk Sport” that winning matches at this level remains difficult without a sharp Haaland, following the team’s third 1-2 defeat in the Nations League.

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