Ida Solbakken, the 22-year-old daughter of Norway national football team coach Stale Solbakken, has become an unexpected sensation at the 2026 World Cup after a touching moment between her parents went viral.
Viral Embrace Sparks Attention
Following Norway's 3-2 victory over Senegal in New York on Monday, which secured the team's progression to the knockout stages, Stale Solbakken embraced his wife Anniken in a heartwarming scene captured by cameras. The image was widely shared, and Ida reposted it on her Instagram with the caption: "It doesn't get bigger than this."
The post quickly drew attention to Ida herself, with fans and media dubbing her the 'darling of the World Cup.' She boasts over 12,000 Instagram followers, where she shares photos of her travels, often in bikinis, and posts with her long-term boyfriend Tannis.
Norway's World Cup Run
Norway, under Solbakken's leadership, has exceeded expectations as dark horses, winning both of their opening group matches. The victory over Senegal was their fourth-ever World Cup win, and they now have a chance to top Group H if they beat France in their final group game. This is Norway's first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Ida's Background and Family
Ida is a medical student and the youngest of three children. Her brother Markus, 26, has followed in his father's footsteps as a professional footballer for Danish club AGF. He was called up to the Norway squad by his father in September 2023 and played in a 6-0 friendly win over Jordan. The eldest sibling, Sondre, welcomed a baby girl in 2023, making Stale and Anniken grandparents.
Stale Solbakken's Health Scare
The Solbakken family's life could have been very different. In March 2001, Stale suffered a heart attack during training with Danish side Copenhagen. Club doctor Frank Odgaard attended to him immediately, and an ambulance was called. Stale was pronounced clinically dead at the scene but was revived in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, nearly seven minutes later. He was fitted with a pacemaker and forced to retire from playing, but he transitioned into management, leading Hamarkameratene, Copenhagen, Koln, and Wolves before taking the Norway job in 2020.
