RB Leipzig's Norwegian sensation Antonio Nusa aims to shine at World Cup | OneFootball

RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa looks forward to his first World Cup after an impressive Bundesliga campaign. The 21-year-old winger scored all his four goals away from the Red Bull Arena as they secured their place back in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Norway will compete on the biggest stage of international football after a near three-decade absence. For the 2005-born player, the 1998 World Cup is something he could only revisit with old clips.

“I think my first memory of the World Cup is Brazil in 2014,” Nusa said in an interview with RB Leipzig club media. “I just remember the game where Germany won 7-1 against Brazil … to be honest, because I was supporting Brazil. And, I remember you guys won a lot.”

Four-time winners Germany repeated that scoreline in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup against debutants Curaçao on Sunday. In what has been a rather underwhelming start for European teams, Ståle Solbakken's side will hope to have a winning start against Iraq before more challenging duels with Senegal and France.

“Norway is successful in a lot of other sports. But, for football, the last few years haven't been great. So to be able to qualify was truly special,” recalls Nusa with his country preparing for their major tournament since a group stage exit at Euro 2000.

Norway finished top of their qualification group by winning every game, including home and away against Italy. Nusa scored in both of the games against the 2006 champions. He was also on target against neighbours Sweden in the pre-World Cup friendly victory.

“I'm really looking forward to all the games,” Nusa said about his World Cup fever. “Of course, especially against France, it'll be a great challenge. To be able to face them in a World Cup is special. Of course, you want to make it as far as possible.”

The final group stage fixture will see global superstars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe go head-to-head. However, Nusa opts for the low profile. “This will be our first tournament as a team together, so we should enjoy that experience, and take steps on a sporting level.”

He is motivated to put his mark on the global stage, though. “I know what I can bring to the team. Hopefully, I'll bring my best level or even a level above that. That's what I'm working towards.

“I dream about everything. World Cup, Champions League, Bundesliga … you know, everything. I want to win things. But, of course, the World Cup is maybe the biggest one you can ever win.”

For Nusa, every game is a reminder for him fulfilling his childhood dream. He was only 16 years and two months old when he first scored a league goal for Stabæk. Less than a year later, he netted a crucial goal in the playoffs against Union SG to guide Club Brugge to the Belgian league triumph. And, after his second title with the Belgian club, Nusa completed his move to Leipzig a couple of years ago for a reported €21 million.

“Even when I'm just playing in the Bundesliga, I'm like realising, ‘wow, it's just a dream.’ And, to be able to go to a World Cup will be another moment where you say, ‘wow, I'm really blessed for that.’ I'm really thankful and happy that every week I get to have this chance because not a lot of people have it.”