Norway drop Ørjan Nyland as Stale Solbakken turns to Egil Selvik for Portugal test

Norway will change their goalkeeper for Sunday’s Nations League meeting with Portugal, with Stale Solbakken dropping Ørjan Nyland after a costly run of mistakes.

Brest goalkeeper Egil Selvik has been told he will start in Porto, having been selected ahead of Nyland following errors in each of Norway’s past four matches.

Nyland’s latest mistake came in Thursday’s 2-1 defeat by Wales. He moved early to his left as Neco Williams’ free-kick was delivered, allowing the ball to fly into the opposite corner for Wales’ winning goal.

The goalkeeper had also been at fault when Norway lost 2-1 to Portugal in the Nations League. That defeat brought an end to Norway’s 14-match unbeaten home run, with Nyland’s errors contributing to the result.

His difficult period began at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A mistake against England played a part in Norway’s quarter-final exit, despite Nyland having earlier produced important moments, including saving a penalty against Brazil.

Solbakken confirmed Selvik’s promotion after the defeat by Wales, revealing the decision during an interview with TV 2.

“I’ll reveal the plan now. I haven’t told anyone else, so I’m announcing it directly on TV 2. Egil Selvik has been told he will start in goal against Portugal,” Solbakken said.

“He was informed of this when the squad was selected yesterday.

“It comes down to performance. We agreed before this match that Selvik should get the chance. He has earned it.”

Selvik, who has won eight senior caps for Norway, will now have the opportunity to challenge for the position in the final match of the international break.

The decision means Nyland, who had previously been Norway’s first-choice goalkeeper, will miss the chance to immediately respond to the error that decided the Wales match. Portugal will provide Selvik with his first start of this international break as Norway seek a different outcome from their earlier meeting with Roberto Martinez’s side.