The 2024/25 European season is quickly approaching, with 236 clubs set to compete in UEFA’s continental club competitions this season.
With the first qualifying round draws occurring on Tuesday, Extratime Talk will be providing a comprehensive coefficient preview. Between now and then, each country will be previewed, and all clubs participating in Europe for the 2024/25 season are discussed.
In these articles, we will provide analyses of what to expect from each country in Europe. We will explore what is on the line from a coefficient standpoint, and the keys to succeeding, in that country’s case.
This is the 48th article of the preview series, where Norway will be the topic of conversation. Can the Nordic nation stay in the top 15? Here is a look at what we can expect from the Norwegian clubs in Europe next season.
Norway in Europe: Country Profile
| Previous Season Coefficient (Rank) | 8.000 (14th) |
| Previous Season’s 5-Year Coefficient (Rank) | 31.625 (14th) |
| Starting 5-Year Coefficient (Rank) | 27.875 (13th) |
Norway had a good 2023/24 season, finishing 14th in both the season and five-year rankings. Molde and Bodø/Glimt made the knockout rounds of the UEFA Conference League. That performance was enough to help the country finish in the top 15. Now Norway will be looking to solidify that in the 2024/25 campaign.
With Molde and Bodø/Glimt being joined by Brann and Tromsø, much will depend on the latter two and how they do in Europe. The summer months will play a significant role in how many coefficient points Norway will have by season’s end. Can the Nordic country build on last year’s run, or will it be the familiar feeling of barely missing out again?
Norway in Europe: Club Profile
| Club | Qualified As | Round of Entry | Total European Seasons | Last Season’s Performance | 5-Year Club Coefficient (2023/24) | 5-Year Country Coefficient Contribution, 2023/24 (%) |
| Bodø/Glimt | Domestic Champion | UCL Q2, CH Path | 11 | UECL Knockout Round Playoffs | 28.000 | 12.500 (39.53%) |
| Molde | Cup Winner | UEL Q2 | 22 | UECL Round of 16 | 28.500 | 11.375 (35.97%) |
| Brann | Domestic Runner-up | UECL Q2, Main Path | 19 | UECL Playoff Round | 6.325 | 0.625 (1.98%) |
| Tromsø | Domestic Third Place | UECL Q2, Main Path | 10 | N/A | 6.325 | N/A |
Bodø/Glimt won the Eliteserien title for the third time in the last four years last calendar year. The side from the Arctic Circle has reached the knockout round of the Conference League in all three iterations of the competition, one of two teams to have done so (Gent being the other). Starting in the second qualifying round of the Champions League, Bodø/Glimt will be seeded for that round and the next one. A chance at a maiden appearance in the UCL proper could very well be on the cards.
Molde defeated Bodø/Glimt in the Norwegian Cup to claim their spot in Europe. Starting in UEL Q2, they will have the advantage of being seeded throughout qualifying. This is something they will have to make the most of. Having made the last 16 in Europe for the second time in four years, Molde will be one to watch in the UEL qualifiers this summer.
Runners-up in the league last year, Brann will be back in Europe for the second summer running. For the first time in 15 years, the club from Bergen will partake in European club competitions in consecutive seasons. They made the playoff round of the UECL last August, being beaten on penalties by AZ. Although they will be unseeded throughout qualifying, Brann will surely be trying to do one better than last summer.
Tromsø partakes in continental play for the first time in a decade after pulling off a third place finish last year. Their last group stage appearance came in 2013/14 in the UEL. Like Brann, Tromsø will enter UECL Q2 as an unseeded side. They are struggling domestically, which could hinder their ability to fully focus on their European tie, especially if things do not change.
Norway’s Season Ambition
For Norway, a place in the top 15 in the five-year coefficient ranking will be the target. Their 13th position to start the season is very helpful in their push for a top 15 spot. However, one might argue they got a tad lucky last term as they only had two teams in the group stages last term. That will likely not be enough this time around, so this campaign has a strong one from all four teams.
Coefficient-wise, Norway should be aiming for at least 8.500 points, which is a bit more than their 2023/24 total. That may not even be enough, with double digits being a near-guarantee of a top 15 finish at season’s end. The good news for Norway is that they only have 3.750 points to defend next term. So, if they can better last year’s result by a point or two, they could be in a very good position for the 2025/26 season.
What a Successful Season Would Look Like for Norway
A successful season for Norway would be to have at least three teams in the league phase. Having any less than three will be a recipe for disaster, and almost surely not enough to truly compete for a place in the top 15. Thus, the country will really need Brann and Tromsø to step up in UECL qualifying. Otherwise, it will be a long year.
As for coefficients, a successful year has to be at about 8.500 for Norway, at the very minimum. Anything less would be a failure, because there would be no significant improvement on last term. It must be noted that more points are available in the UEFA club competitions from the league phase, highlighting the significance of Norway having those three teams at the bare minimum.
What to Expect From Norway in 2024/25
So, what we can expect from Norway next season in Europe? Can they build upon last year’s showing? It will be a tall order, but it is certainly possible. As previously mentioned, at least one of Brann or Tromsø making the UECL league phase will be absolutely crucial.
However, Johannes Kaste, the man behind Fotcalc, believes things could be different this season. “I believe Brann is the strongest unseeded club in Conference League Q2,” said Kaste when asked about the club’s chances at making the UECL proper. “Since early 2022, they have been among the top clubs in the country.”
Despite Brann’s elimination in the UECL playoffs last term, Kaste is confident things will go differently this time. “My optimism leads me to think Brann will just make it into the league phase this time,” said the Norwegian football expert. “The introduction of early Europa League qualifying rounds has in my opinion made the Conference League qualifying slightly easier this season compared to previous years.”
When asked about the battle for the top 15 next season, Kaste remains optimistic. “All positions from 11th to 17th, inclusive, are within reach for Norway,” he said. “When considering the small gap down to 16th place, I believe Norway will comfortably finish within top 15.” As to how high Norway will finish, Kaste concluded by saying: “I think 12th is the highest Norway can realistically hope for.”
Norway finishing in the top 15 seems believable, but anything higher than 14th seems unlikely. Countries like Israel, Greece and Austria have a stronger group of clubs, which will likely be the difference here. Can Norway finish in 14th or 15th? Yes, they most certainly can. However, if they do, the numbers will probably be similar to last term, which is not anything flashy, but could still be enough. However, do not be surprised if Norway finishes outside of the top 15. After all, it will be an incredible race this summer.