Netflix Unveils Documentary on Norway's 26-Year Journey to This Year's World Cup

Netflix today announces Norway: The Dark Horse (Norwegian title: Norges vei tilbake) a new two-part sports documentary series that gives exclusive, inside access to one of football's most emotionally charged comebacks: The return of Norway's men's national team to a major international tournament after 26 long, painful years.

It's been over a generation since Norway last reached the big stage, and belief had all but disappeared. Now, with global stars like Martin Ødegaard, Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa under head coach Ståle Solbakken, Norway has finally broken the curse. Having qualified in style, the team is emerging this summer's tournament as a dark horse in a brutally tough group featuring former world champions France and African powerhouse Senegal.

Antonio Nusa: "I think people are going to enjoy the series. Last year was a crazy year for us, and I'm glad we captured it on film so that these lifelong memories can be shown in top quality. I'm sure many will appreciate seeing how we've worked together to achieve the dream of the World Championship."

Martin Ødegaard: "It was incredible for us to qualify for the World Cup, especially considering how long it had been since the last time we made it. We can also feel how much it means to many Norwegians. That's why it's exciting to showcase this story, the moments, the people, and the work that has gone into it. I think many will appreciate getting an inside look, and that this is the perfect series to build excitement ahead of the tournament."

The series is directed by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Emil Trier (Trust Me, The Other Munch, Board Control) and produced by Novemberfilm.

Director Emil Trier: "The ambition was to create a cinematic experience that captures the exact moment Norwegian football is in right now. We have created a story about disappointment, hope, and what happens collectively when Norway finally succeeds in qualifying for a championship after 26 years of defeat. It is also a story about Ståle Solbakken, a person I have found incredibly fascinating to portray. Norway: The Dark Horse is a journey through the qualification campaign, where we have tried to capture the story with energy and detail, so the viewer gets the experience of being present, as opposed to being told about it. Hopefully we have succeeded, and the audience will find this both exciting and engaging."

About The Dark Horse

Director: Emil Trier

Producer: Vidar Lien Amundsen

Production Company: Novemberfilm

Release Date: June 9

Episodes: 2

For more information, visit: www.netflix.com/norgesveitilbake / www.netflix.com/norwaythedarkhorse