Daily Mail reported on the evening of July 8th that two Norwegian national team players had to miss the match due to illness, while their coach coughed violently during a press conference.
Norwegian goalkeeper Orjan Nyland had an outstanding performance in Norway's 2-1 victory over Brazil . Photo: AP
This issue has been confirmed by Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland to the Daily Mail. He said: “I can confirm that it is true. We have had some problems. We are trying our best and the team doctor is currently very busy.”
Orjan Nyland added: “We’ve just had a break so it’s possible someone got sick during that time. Hopefully everything goes smoothly and we’ll face England with our fittest squad.”
Since arriving in North America, the Norwegian players have traveled thousands of kilometers. Beginning their 2026 World Cup campaign in Boston, they flew to New Jersey, before returning to Boston and then traveling to Dallas. Their Round of 16 match against Brazil took place in New Jersey.
According to the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet, constant air travel has affected the health of the entire team. Striker Larsen missed the opening match of the tournament due to illness, while Pedersen was unable to participate in the match against Brazil because of the flu. Coach Solbakken was also caught coughing violently at a press conference after Norway's 1-4 defeat to France in the group stage.
Prior to this tournament, the Norwegian team had never advanced beyond the group stage of a major competition and would face England – a team ranked 15 places above them – for a spot in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals.
Norway's coach Solbakken said: "We have to study England, but obviously we've seen them in previous matches in this tournament. They are a very strong opponent, but hopefully it will be a balanced and dramatic match."
England entered their match against Norway with confidence, having defeated co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in the round of 16. After the match, coach Tuchel said: “A heroic performance and a heroic result. I am very pleased with the players and with myself as well.”
England will be without Quansah for the match against Norway after he received a red card in the game against Mexico, and Jordan Henderson will also be absent due to an injury sustained during the victory celebrations.
The match between Norway and England in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup will take place at 4:00 AM on July 12th.
Video of Orjan Nyland successfully saving a penalty for Brazil. Source: VTV