World Cup 2026: After Colombia, Norway reports virus cases ahead of England match

Norway's national football team faces an unexpected challenge ahead of their World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash with England, as several players have fallen ill. Coach Stale Solbakken revealed that multiple members of the squad are suffering from coughs and exhaustion, raising concerns just days before the crucial match.

Solbakken downplayed the possibility of a widespread virus, suggesting that the team's extensive travel schedule, including flights, air-conditioned environments, and locker rooms, likely contributed to the players' fatigue. "We had only Jorgen Strand Larsen with a fever. Beyond that, several have coughs and hoarseness," he stated. "With the constant travel, planes, air conditioning, and locker rooms, it's logical for something like this to happen. We are over 50 people in the delegation; it would be strange if no one was affected."

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We had only Jorgen Strand Larsen with a fever. Beyond that, several have coughs and hoarseness. With the constant travel, planes, air conditioning, and locker rooms, it's logical for something like this to happen. We are over 50 people in the delegation; it would be strange if no one was affected.

The coach also addressed the absence of Marcus Holmgren Pedersen from the match against Brazil due to illness. While Pedersen did not have a fever and participated in training, he felt his body was not responding well. Solbakken believes this was more a result of the tournament's intensity and emotional toll, noting Pedersen's surprise at playing at a high level after expecting to be a substitute.

With only a few days to recover, the Norwegian team is focused on regaining strength. The hope is that all players will be available and fully fit for the significant encounter against England, aiming to overcome this setback and perform at their best.

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He did not have a fever and trained, but felt his body was not responding. I believe it is more a result of the intensity and emotions he experienced in the tournament. He came to the World Cup believing he would be a substitute for Ryerson, but he ended up playing two games at a very high level, and all that emotional charge likely affected his body.