Goalkeeper Haikin Awaits Norwegian Citizenship Before World Cup

Pressure is mounting in Norwegian public discourse for a swift resolution regarding goalkeeper Nikita Haikin's citizenship ahead of the summer World Cup. The 30-year-old footballer of Russian origin, playing for club Bodo/Glimt, applied for a Norwegian passport over a year ago but has yet to receive a response from the immigration authorities. Prominent sports commentator Ernst A. Lersveen has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, appealing for personal intervention. In the letter, cited by media, Lersveen wrote: „Mr. Prime Minister, if you managed to secure what seemed like an impossible change to the restrictive beer-serving hours during late-night World Cup matches, then surely you can pull Haikin's papers from the pile of applications at the immigration office and put them on top”. The commentator added: „Unless you want to watch balls flying into our net during the World Cup. Because we don't”. This public appeal underscores how urgent the matter has become in the eyes of fans and experts. While Norway is a powerhouse in winter sports, in football it has long aspired to significant international success. The national team last played in the World Cup in 1998 in France. Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, to be held in three North American countries, holds immense sporting and national significance for Norwegians. The player formally meets all requirements for citizenship: he has lived continuously in Norway since March 2019, has been married to a Norwegian woman for two years, and has mastered the language. Furthermore, he already holds citizenships of Israel, the United Kingdom, and Russia. The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) confirmed it is holding talks on the matter, but the administrative procedure is dragging on. Norway's national team manager, Ståle Solbakken, does not hide his plans. He has publicly emphasized that he sees Haikin in the squad for the World Cup and considers him the best goalkeeper in the country. This assessment stems from Haikin's excellent form at Bodo/Glimt, which sensationally advanced to the Champions League round of 16 this season, and from the problems of the current first-choice goalkeeper, Ørjan Nyland, who serves as a backup at Spain's Sevilla and does not play regularly. The pressure has been further fueled by Haikin's recent club successes. His outstanding performances, particularly in the two-legged tie against Inter Milan, have turned him into a national hero, with his case being covered daily by all Norwegian media. The issue is taking on a political character, intertwining threads of public administration, national sporting ambition, and societal expectations. The approaching World Cup deadline (June 11 – July 19, 2026) creates clear time pressure. If the application is not approved in the coming months, Norway could lose the chance to strengthen one of the key positions in the team just before the most important tournament.