THELO Aasgaard performed impressively for Norway during qualification and has earned his place among a talented squad with grand ambitions.
The side are competing at a first major international tournament since the European Championships in 2000 after a flawless qualification campaign.
In the lead up to the start of the tournament, we take an in-depth look at each of our representatives:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNEY
Despite being born in Liverpool, Aasgaard is of Norwegian descent through his father.
His first taste of international football arrived in 2018 when he represented Norway Under-16s on three separate occasions.
After turning professional for Wigan Athletic, Aasgaard was selected in the Norway Under-20s squad in August 2021.
He made his debut at that level in a 1-1 draw against Germany, which was also notable for the German goalscorer being former Rangers loanee, Malik Tillman, who will represent USA this summer.
Further appearances for the Under-20s squad followed against Italy and Romania, before he featured for his country’s Under-21s side in European Championship qualifying against Scotland twice inside three days.
The midfielder squared off against future Rangers teammates Connor Barron and Lyall Cameron across those two matches.
He was selected in the Under-21s squad once again in March 2024 where he struck in a 4-0 victory over San Marino.
Aasgaard would make 11 appearances for the Under-21s before his performances at club and international level earned him his senior debut in March 2025.
Indeed, he wasted precious little time in making his mark as his first Norway start brought a goal and an assist in a 5-0 rout of Moldova in World Cup qualifying.
His second appearance for Norway arrived in memorable circumstances after joining Rangers last summer, springing from the substitutes bench on the 64th minute to net a remarkable four goals in an 11-1 victory over Moldova in the return fixture.
“I was quite emotional because I had my family in the stands,” Aasgaard said at the time. “They’re proud of me anyway, but for them to see me put in a good performance like that made me over the moon.”
Norway boasted a 100% record in qualifying, securing a return to a major international tournament for the first time in 26 years.
“I learn so much, not just from [Haaland] but from all the players,” the 24-year-old said of the quality inside the Norway dressing room. “We’ve got a really good team.
“Everyone stays in touch with each other and sees how we’re all doing.
“[Haaland] is a great example. His career has been one of progression. He has a monster mentality and it’s really important to stay strong.
“One thing that separates them is their speed of thought. Before they get the ball, they know what they’re doing and they’re able to make decisions in a split second.
“It’s all building blocks that I want to add to my game.”
Aasgaard appeared twice for his country in their pre-tournament friendlies as they triumphed over Sweden before playing out a 1-1 draw with Morocco.
THE SEASON THAT WAS
Aasgaard arrived during a summer of transition for the club 12 months ago in a permanent transfer from Luton Town.
He made his debut for the club in UEFA Champions League qualifying against Club Brugge but had to bide him time to net his first goal, which arrived against Dundee United in October.
After working his way up to full fitness following a minor injury at the start of the season, the midfielder began to find his rhythm heading into the winter period.
“I will never step on the pitch and not be grateful to wear the shirt and just try and be myself,” Aasgaard said back in October.
He found the back of the net at home to Motherwell in a vital 1-0 win just after Christmas, tapping home after Djeidi Gassama’s initial effort was thwarted.
Three days later, he pounced from a set-piece to help Rangers on their way against St. Mirren at Ibrox.
Throughout the campaign, Aasgaard was never too far away from the spectacular, underlined by his sumptuous free-kick in the Scottish Cup against Annan Athletic which was nominated for Men’s Goal of the Season.
It was one of two strikes from the Norwegian international last season which made the final list after his terrific solo strike against Dundee United.
He popped up again from a set-piece in January as Rangers triumphed at Pittodrie in difficult conditions.
Aasgaard’s growth throughout the campaign was evidenced in his contribution towards the business end of the season, registering three goal contributions in as many appearances before the league split.
The 24-year-old signed off for the season with goals in the final two Scottish Premiership matches against Hibernian and Falkirk.
GROUP STAGE OUTLOOK
The draw could have certainly been kinder for Norway who will duke it out with 2018 winners, France, African Cup of Nations finalists, Senegal, and Iraq in Group I.
First up for the Norwegians is Iraq, who they will square off against in Boston, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, June 16, kick-off 11pm UK time.
Iraq qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 40 years when they secured the 48th and final spot in the tournament with a 2-1 win over Bolivia.
Norway will then travel south to New Jersey to face Senegal on Tuesday, June 23rd, kick-off 1am UK time.
After being stripped of the African Cup of Nations earlier this year, Senegal arrive into North America as one of Africa’s heavyweight sides and with a point to prove.
It’s back up to Boston for Aasgaard and his teammates for their final group stage fixture against France, which takes place on Friday, June 26, kick-off 8pm.
Winners in 2018, France are considered favourites by many to lift the World Cup next month.
NORWAY’S GROUP I FIXTURES
Tuesday, June 16 – Iraq v Norway – Boston, Massachusetts – Kick-off 11pm(UK time)
Tuesday, June 23 – Norway v Senegal – East Rutherford, New Jersey – Kick-off 1am (UK time)
Friday, June 26 – Norway v France – Boston, Massachusetts – Kick-off 8pm (UK time)
MYGERS: From priority access and behind-the-scenes opportunities to special events and unique moments, MyGers brings you closer to the action on and off the pitch
RANGERS MUSEUM AND STADIUM TOURS: Experience the magic of Ibrox Stadium, with your very own ‘access all areas’ pass