Norway Squad Hit by Illness Ahead of Quarter-Final Clash

Pulse Sports Team 18:12 - 07 July 2026

A virus is reportedly sweeping through the Norwegian national football team camp ahead of their 2026 World Cup quarter-final against England. Coach Stale Solbakken confirmed the situation but expressed confidence that it would improve in the coming days. The quarter-final match between Norway and England is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, at 11:00 PM CEST in Miami.

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According to the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet, striker Jörgen Strand Larsen and defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen are suffering from flu-like symptoms. Larsen was unavailable for the opening group stage match against Iraq due to illness. Pedersen missed Norway's Round of 16 clash, where the "Vikings," thanks to two goals from Erling Haaland, unexpectedly eliminated Brazil 2-1.

"We have a couple of players in our squad who aren't feeling well, but their condition is gradually improving. It's not an ideal situation during a long tournament like the World Cup, but we have everything under control," The Standard quoted Solbakken as saying.

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