FIFA blocks Nikita Haikin's nationality switch, ruling Bodø/Glimt keeper out of World Cup
The Champions League standout has been denied permission to represent Norway this summer because his time in the country is too short, NTB reports, days before head coach picks his preliminary squad.
B odø/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Haikin will not feature at the 2026 World Cup after FIFA rejected his application to switch national teams from Russia to Norway, according to a report from Norwegian news agency NTB.
A long road to Norwegian citizenship
The 30-year-old was born in Israel and moved to Russia as a two-year-old. He joined Bodø/Glimt in 2019 and has remained at the club since, with the exception of a short loan spell at Bristol City in the English Championship. He received Norwegian citizenship earlier this spring and had since spoken openly about his ambition to represent his adopted country at the World Cup.
According to NTB, FIFA based its rejection on the length of time Haikin has spent in Norway, which falls short of the residency requirement set out in the eligibility rules for nationality switches. The decision closes off what would have been a high-profile international debut for one of the standout goalkeepers of the European club season.
Champions League form fuelled the discussion
Haikin was a central figure in Bodø/Glimt's run in the Champions League over the winter, recording more saves than any other goalkeeper in the competition. That form fuelled the discussion in Norway about fast-tracking him into the senior national team picture once his paperwork was complete.
"We are still in dialogue with FIFA and have no further comment at this time. We will provide more information when we are able to share it," Norwegian Football Federation communications chief Ragnhild Ask Connell told NTB.
Tight window before the squad reveal
Norway's preliminary World Cup squad is due to be announced on Monday. The federation has not indicated whether it will pursue an appeal, and the timing leaves little room for the case to be revisited before the squad reveal or the start of the tournament in June.