West Brom player could feature in opening World Cup match amid FIFA announcement
Aune Heggebo could feature in the 2026 World Cup opener after FIFA’s recent announcement.
The tournament is now just around the corner, with the recent international break confirming multiple countries’ places.
While West Brom stars such as Jayson Molumby and Mikey Johnston will have to wait until the World Cup playoffs in March to know if they have qualified, Heggebo’s Norway have already confirmed their place.
Norway topped their qualification group, beating the likes of Italy and Israel to the automatic spot.
Now, the Baggies striker will be hoping to be on the plane for the summer.
Mexico could play Norway in opening 2026 World Cup game
While Heggebo’s form at West Brom has been inconsistent, the striker is a seasoned Norway international.
To date, the 24-year-old has two caps to his name with Heggebo making his Norway debut in September 2025, in the 11-1 victory over Moldova.
- Heggebo joined West Brom in the summer
- The striker has since become a Norway international
- To date, Heggebo has two senior caps for his country
While the attacker still has a long way to go to ensure that he is in the squad, the Baggies star could well play in the opening day of the tournament.
On 25 November, FIFA announced that Mexico, who will host the opening day of the World Cup, could face one of 11 teams.
The opening match of the 🌎 2026 FIFA World Cup will be one of these 11 matchups:
— Football Meets Data (@fmeetsdata) November 25, 2025
🇲🇽 Mexico v 🇳🇴 Norway
🇲🇽 Mexico v 🇪🇬 Egypt
🇲🇽 Mexico v 🇩🇿 Algeria
🇲🇽 Mexico v 🏴 Scotland
🇲🇽 Mexico v 🇵🇾 Paraguay
🇲🇽 Mexico v 🇹🇳 Tunisia
🇲🇽 Mexico v 🇨🇮 Cote d’Ivoire
🇲🇽 Mexico v 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan
🇲🇽…
One of these countries is Norway, who will likely be the favourites for the clash if the tie is confirmed.
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When is the World Cup draw?
Each country will find out their fate for the World Cup on Friday, 5 December.
There are four pots, with one team from each section going into a group.
England have been placed in pot A as they look to win their first World Cup since 1966.
In comparison, Norway have been placed in pot C as they prepare for their first World Cup since 1998.
The draw is set to start at 5pm.
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