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... While the American youth sports machine has morphed into a $40 billion-a-year private industry fueled by early specialization, Norway has chosen a less intensive path.

Norway's grassroots approach prioritizes enjoyment over winning and favors multisport participation. Star football striker Erling Haaland, 25, grew up playing a variety of sports, including handball and track and field, despite his father's football career in the English Premier League.

The model has drawn attention following the men's national team's first-ever run to the World Cup quarterfinals, highlighted by a 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil. With 5.6 million inhabitants, Norway has the smallest population among the eight nations remaining in the World Cup.

Decades of Norwegian sports culture have focused on promoting widespread participation, deferring early selection and reducing pressure on youth, offering a sharp contrast to the elite-driven model found in countries like the US and UK. ...