Q: Norway has always been a powerhouse in winter sports, but they’ve had a great run at the World Cup, advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time in history after a 28-year absence from the tournament. What do you attribute their success to?
Nauright: There are several factors to consider in Norway’s success. It is a culture that produces world champions and creates opportunities for all to participate in sports at every level.
The Norwegian concept of friluftsliv, which means “free air life,” is at the center of Norwegian physical activity. Friluftsliv is not a specific thing or activity. Hiking in the forest, kayaking along the fjords and skiing in the mountains can all be part of friluftsliv, but so could picking cloudberries or simply sitting in the woods. Children from infancy nap in the outdoors and physical activity is a key part of all stages of life. The goal is to include everyone, including people with disabilities and with low incomes.
Additionally, building on a 1987 approach to support and protect children in sport, since 2007, the Norwegian youth sport system has focused on children playing multiple sports with no scores kept under the age of 12. Even superstars like Erling Haaland played multiple sports before eventually specializing in soccer. From early age through to senior age, youth participate in sports they enjoy.
Both men and women benefit equally from this approach. The Norwegian women's soccer team has won the World Cup, Olympics and European championships. In 2017, Norway was the first country to guarantee equal pay for women's and men's national teams, and they have continued to perform well in recent years.
Norway has also invested in facilities like artificial soccer fields that can be used year-round, thus expanding opportunities in the sport. Iceland, which had recent success in European competition also invested in over 200 artificial pitches, which led to significant improvement in performance.
Q: With the U.S. Men’s National Team loss, there has been a lot of criticism about the youth sports pipeline and pay-to-play model in this country. What does the U.S. need to do better?
Nauright: The pay-to-play model has advantages and disadvantages. This is particularly the case in youth team sports like soccer and volleyball, where those who can pay more gain more access for their children to coaching and facilities from an early age compared to those who can't pay. From my own experience teaching in Denmark and the U.S., Danish youth have greater ball skills in soccer by age 12 while U.S. players are generally physically well trained but generally weaker in ball control skills.
A key factor remains that in most countries around the world, soccer is easily the dominant sport, whereas in the United States, it is often viewed as less popular, even if more kids play soccer than baseball or American football and have for many years. Its outsider status from the mainstream media has led to challenges. The men's professional league doesn’t excel globally in soccer liked they do in baseball, American football, basketball and ice hockey.
The U.S. men were clearly outclassed by Belgium. The loss is a real chance to assess how the U.S. gets from 15th to 20th in the world to the top 5th to 10th range more consistently. For example, what structural changes in skills development and opportunities for all might lead to success? How might a consistent long-term strategy over 10 to 12 years achieve lasting results over seeking instant success?
Q: The World Cup has seen a fair share of controversy on and off the pitch. What’s driving it?
Nauright: This is a massive issue and not a new one.
Experts have found evidence of match-fixing in World Cup matches in the past, and some have alleged it is happening even now. There are billions of dollars involved in match fixing, especially with the advent of widespread sports betting and the growing popularity of spot betting — placing wagers on specific events, like who scores the first goal.
There are concerns that FIFA, as an organization, has become mainly about accumulating wealth and power often at the expense of its core mission to promote and support the game of soccer around the world. Politics are at the heart of FIFA's approach at the moment, so there is little surprise that numerous events magnify controversies, whether intentional or accidental.
Gianni Infantino, who took over after the 2015 corruption charges under former FIFA President Sepp Blatter — which the U.S. brought FIFA to account — however, has created an even larger beast that has focused on support from autocratic nations. For this World Cup, Infantino decided that President Donald Trump would present the winning trophy with him, despite the tournament having three host nations. He also committed FIFA to supporting other seemingly political initiatives.
Q: Is there the same extent of politicization on the women’s side of the sport? Do you expect to see similar dynamics with the 2027 Women’s World Cup?
Nauright: No, we have not seen the same issues within the women's sport, though attempts to hold the World Cup in Saudi Arabia has been met with massive condemnation from women players and officials around the world due to its discrimination against women and LGBTQ populations.
The U.S. Women’s National Team, led by stars like Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach, has dominated international soccer since the 1990s. So, when the team exited early from the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, there was condemnation of the team’s performance.
But they lost in a penalty shootout against a strong Swedish team, not a questionable foul, for example. Additionally, the rest of the world has caught up to the U.S. There are now 8 to 10 teams who can genuinely believe in a real chance to win in Brazil although the U.S., along with Spain and England, are likely to be the favorites.
Q: What advice do you have for fans who may be disenchanted by the commodification, commercialization and politicization of sports? How can they still enjoy watching sports and big events like the World Cup or Olympics?
Nauright: I thought to not watch this year because of the politics and corruption, yet I was compelled to pay attention by the success of Cape Verde and Norway. Regardless of what you know to be true off the pitch, the sheer power of a Haaland header or sublime skills of a Messi goal or pass remain compelling. The fact that most matches are decided by a goal and often in extra time or penalty shootouts makes for exciting viewing.
This World Cup has been amazing in how the rest of the world has shown us the version of ourselves we can be. It has also led to an identification with many cultures as shown in love for Scotland’s Tartan Army, who drank Boston dry then cleaned up afterwards; the Norwegians rowing en masse; the Dutch fans dancing and more. So, while we can be critical — and should be — we can also celebrate what makes the beautiful game just that both on and off the pitch.