Norwegian Football’s Anthem Dilemma: A Call for a New World Cup Song
“We give everything, everything for Norway. Sacrifice everything, if we have to.”
This stirring line from the renowned football anthem rings familiar to many. For some, it triggers a spirited singalong, while for others it elicits a distant gaze, lost in memories. “Alt for Norge,” the men’s national team’s official song during the 1994 World Cup, now prompts the pressing question:
What will be our World Cup song this time around?
Ivar Dyrhaug, the former host of Beat for Beat and a contributor to the original song, firmly believes “Alt for Norge” deserves a spot in the lineup once more. “Is there any doubt about that? It has endured for so long, and it will continue to endure,” he asserts to NRK.
Yet, not everyone shares his confidence.
In an Oslo recording studio, rapper Adrian Amara—an admirer of the classic—acknowledges the challenge ahead. “It has an incredibly strong chorus, although the verses are slightly weaker,” he concedes. Nevertheless, he envisions a fresh take as he sets out to create the new World Cup anthem. “I wish you luck,” Dyrhaug replies warmly, fully supportive yet aware of the high stakes involved.
“I can only say we aimed to avoid creating a song that felt stuck in 1994. We had the national football team in mind, without any specific legends like ‘Drillo,’ ‘Mini,’ or ‘Myggen,’” Amara explains.
Creating a new anthem will require ingenuity, especially given the sizeable shadow cast by “Alt for Norge.” Amara understands that to succeed, he must craft something original: “You can’t simply replicate what’s already beloved.”
While the specifics of the new song remain a mystery, Amara hints it will embody an inviting spirit. “I’m definitely thinking about incorporating real instruments—a robust guitar, an emotive piano, and a powerful drumbeat,” he says with a hint of excitement.
Will the country rally behind this new composition?
Amara recognizes the uphill battle ahead. National team coach Ståle Solbakken shared little enthusiasm when asked about his plans. “Amara? What is that?” he quipped before discovering Amara’s identity. “Oh, a rapper. Sounds average,” Solbakken remarked, leaving a wisp of uncertainty hanging in the air.
Amara, undeterred by such skepticism, is prepared to take Dyrhaug’s insights to heart. The goal is to release the song in spring, but its fate hinges on both its reception and whether Norway will make it to the World Cup.
Dyrhaug, despite perhaps offering unsolicited advice to a budding competitor, opines on what an anthem should embody: “It must be sharp and striking—preferably a bit pompous, or very pompous, just as we were. Short and snappy, that’s the key.”
As he gears up for the challenge, Amara remains committed to producing something memorable. With the weight of history on his shoulders, the march toward a new anthem begins, igniting fresh hope for fans and players alike.
Published: 12.11.2025, at 21:36
Updated: 13.11.2025, at 08:55