[3] She appeared in the first five FIFA Women's World Cups, an achievement that only U.S. player Kristine Lilly shares.

Nordby, paired with fellow Norwegian Hege Riise, was the first pick in the 30 October 2000 WUSA Foreign Player Allocation Draft, having been chosen by the Carolina Courage.

[7] On 27 November 2007, it was announced that Nordby would be signing an 18-month contract with Lyon as cover for their regular goalkeeper, Véronique Pons, who was out with a long-term injury.

In the 1999 Women's World Cup, Norway placed fourth overall, having lost to China in the semifinals, 5–0, then to Brazil in the Bronze Medal match.

Nordby retirement from international football in late 2002, then returned when she was named to the roster of the squad for the 2003 Women's World Cup.

[10] Despite losing 1–0 to the U.S. in the quarterfinals, Nordby won the Player of the Match Award, after stopping a penalty kick taken by Mia Hamm.

Due to their low placement in the World Cup, Norway failed to qualify for the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics.

In 2005, Nordby was the starting keeper as Norway claimed silver in the European Championships, falling to Germany 3–1 in the finals.

She was named to the FIFA Women's World Stars squad in April 2007, as the starting goalkeeper and co-captain with U.S. player, Kristine Lilly.