FIFA does not allow Russian goalkeeper Nikita Haikin to play for Norway at the 2026 World Cup

FIFA has rejected Russian goalkeeper Nikita Haikin’s application to change his sporting nationality in order to play for the Norway national team. The 30-year-old Bodø/Glimt goalkeeper recently received Norwegian citizenship, but that was not enough for him to be cleared to play for the national team.

The main reason for the rejection was the period Haikin spent outside Norway. In January 2023, he moved to English club Bristol City, where he stayed for around two months and did not play a single official match. In March of the same year, the goalkeeper returned to Bodø/Glimt. According to Norwegian media, that spell interrupted the required period of continuous residence in the country under FIFA regulations.

Norway considered Haikin one of the candidates for a place in the squad for the 2026 World Cup. At the same time, national team head coach Ståle Solbakken stressed that the situation was not critical for the team. According to him, Ørjan Nyland and Egil Selvik remain the main goalkeepers, while Haikin was only one of several candidates for the role of third goalkeeper.

“If he cannot be considered because of FIFA rules, we will simply take note of that. Then two or three other goalkeepers will compete for that place,” Solbakken said.

According to VG, if FIFA’s decision remains in force, Haikin will only be able to qualify to play for the Norway national team later — effectively after the 2026 World Cup. Norway is expected to submit its preliminary squad for the tournament soon, and without FIFA’s permission it will not be possible to include Haikin on the list.

Haikin’s situation has become a telling example for footballers who hope to change their sporting nationality. Even a short transfer, without any playing time, can affect compliance with FIFA requirements, under which a foreign player must play continuously in the country for five years.