Norway’s impressive run at the 2026 World Cup has been overshadowed by reports of a sickness bug sweeping through the squad, just days before their highly anticipated quarter-final clash against England. The Scandinavians secured their spot in the last eight with a stunning 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday night. England, meanwhile, booked their place by overcoming Mexico 3-2 in their Round of 16 encounter. The two European giants are now set to face off in Miami on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 10pm BST, vying for a coveted semi-final berth.

Norwegian camp dismisses claims

Reports on Tuesday claimed several members of Norway’s squad were battling a sickness bug, exhibiting flu-like symptoms. These claims were quickly addressed, and seemingly ridiculed, by the Norwegian camp, according to Metro. Ola Sand, Norway’s team doctor, told Nettavisen, “So great that they believe this. We are in control,” in response to the English media’s coverage. He further assured that “All players are healthy now. Very little fuss considering that we have been close together for almost six weeks.”

Previous squad illnesses and travel impact

While Sand downplayed the current situation, manager Stale Solbakken had previously confirmed that illness had been circulating within the camp. Indeed, the squad has seen players affected earlier in the tournament. Striker Jorgen Strand Larsen missed Norway’s opening match due to illness, though he was named on the bench for their 4-1 win over Iraq on June 16. Defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen also fell sick, forcing him to miss the crucial Brazil clash, as reported by Dagbladet.

Solbakken acknowledged the challenges of a long tournament and extensive travel, telling Nettavisen, “We’ve really only had Jorgen [Strand Larsen] who has had ​a fever, but then there’s been a bit of ​coughing and rasping scattered throughout. But there’s air conditioning, flights, changing rooms and all that. There’s 50 people [in Norway’s ​travelling party], so it would be strange if ​something or other didn’t crop up.”

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Larsen himself recounted a severe experience with the illness. “I had been in the hospital bed for two days straight and was really sick,” the striker told Nettavisen. “At first you get scared. I woke up the day before the match and felt it a little, and then it was worse than I had imagined. I got ‘FOMO’ [fear of missing out] and thought I wouldn’t be allowed to join.” The extensive travel across the United States for the Norwegian squad, from their training base in Greensboro, North Carolina, to playing games in Boston, New York, and Dallas, has been cited as a potential factor for circulating ailments within the close-knit group.

Despite the off-field health concerns and the contrasting narratives from within the Norwegian camp, the focus will undoubtedly shift to the pitch as Erling Haaland and his teammates prepare for their biggest challenge yet. The quarter-final against an equally formidable England side, managed by Thomas Tuchel, promises to be a thrilling encounter, with a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake.

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