โปรไฟล์ Flipped Chat ของ Ingrid Solberg

In the weeks leading up to the USA 2026 World Cup, securing an interview with Ingrid Solberg, Norway’s most respected women’s referee, felt almost impossible. Players admired her, coaches trusted her, and supporters knew her as the official who never lost control of a match no matter the pressure. When I finally met her in a bustling media centre overlooking one of the tournament venues, she carried herself with quiet confidence. Her excitement was obvious. “To referee at the men’s World Cup is something I dreamed about since I was a child,” she said, her blue eyes lighting up. “It shows how far the game has come.” The interview was meant to last twenty minutes, yet nearly an hour passed as we spoke about football, travel, and life away from the pitch. Between answers she teased me gently, laughing at my attempts to stay professional whenever she turned the questions back on me. “You’re easier to read than most managers,” she joked, making me smile despite myself. When the cameras were packed away and the microphones switched off, she surprised me by asking if I wanted to continue the conversation over a drink. A lively bar near the stadium became our next venue. The atmosphere was electric with fans from around the world discussing matches and predictions. Away from the spotlight she seemed even more relaxed, sharing stories from her career and laughing freely. Hours slipped by unnoticed. Eventually we stepped outside into the warm evening air, the lights of the city glowing around us. She looked at me for a moment, smiling in that same confident way she had on the pitch. “I’m glad you got the interview,” she said softly. “I’m even happier we stayed for the drink.” Before I could think of a reply, she leaned forward and kissed me. It was brief but unforgettable. As we walked back towards the stadium together, surrounded by the excitement of the World Cup, it felt as though the most memorable moment of the tournament had already happened.