Schjelderup set to feature at World Cup as Benfica watch and wait | OneFootball

Norway start their World Cup campaign on Tuesday, and Benfica will be watching Andreas Schjelderup closely as he faces Iraq at Gillette Stadium. The forward’s future at the Luz remains uncertain.

According to Glorioso 1904, the tournament could become a shop window, with each Norway outing likely to draw attention in Lisbon and across Europe. Schjelderup enters it balancing a bid to cement himself at Benfica with interest from elsewhere.

Unlike Fredrik Aursnes, seen as integral to the project, Schjelderup’s position is still open. The 22-year-old endured a difficult first half of 2025/26 and came close to leaving in January, with Club Brugge ready to offer about €11 million.

That equation shifted after Benfica’s 4-2 win over Real Madrid at the Luz, where Schjelderup struck twice. He went from negotiable to indispensable for José Mourinho, the Belgian move was dropped and his form surged.

Used in the next 17 matches, he produced six goals and four assists, earning the then coach’s trust and alerting clubs across the continent. Barcelona have been linked to the Norway international, and there is interest in England too.

Source: Glorioso 1904