Top News

Erling Haaland’s World Cup campaign ended in disappointment in Miami as Norway were knocked out by England in a gripping quarter-final match. The Manchester City forward, who had been one of the most impressive players of the tournament, was substituted during extra-time, leaving both supporters and analysts stunned as Stale Solbakken’s team hunted for an equaliser.

Solbakken explains Haaland’s substitution

Norway manager Stale Solbakken has shared the reasoning behind his unexpected decision to take Haaland off during the closing stages of their 2-1 loss to England. With the game finely poised and the Three Lions leading in extra-time, the sight of the world’s most feared striker walking off the field left onlookers in disbelief.

Speaking after the match, Solbakken clarified that Haaland was simply unable to continue physically. “It wasn’t a difficult call to make because he was done,” Solbakken said. “Maybe I should have taken him off ten minutes earlier. He has had a tremendous World Cup, using all his energy and strength game after game. I think he also picked up a dead leg in the second half, which added to his fatigue.”

A record-breaking campaign ends in anguish

Despite the painful exit, Haaland completes the 2026 World Cup with his status as one of the world’s finest finishers reinforced. The striker was in prolific form throughout the tournament in North America, scoring seven goals in just five matches. Solbakken was quick to praise his star player’s efforts despite the team’s elimination.

“He gave everything he had,” the coach added. “He was a bit unfortunate in a few moments, but he scored seven goals in five matches for us. He had a fantastic World Cup.”

England survive a late scare in Miami

Haaland’s substitution in the final minutes brought relief for England, who managed to clinch their spot in a fourth World Cup semi-final. The Three Lions were forced to come from behind after Andreas Schjelderup shocked them with a 36th-minute strike. However, Jude Bellingham once again rose to the occasion, equalising just before half-time and then scoring the decisive goal three minutes into extra-time.

Jorgen Strand Larsen replaced Haaland, but the Crystal Palace forward was unable to match the clinical sharpness of the Manchester City star. Although Norway continued to attack courageously, the absence of their main striker was evident as Thomas Tuchel’s men managed the final stages efficiently to seal their progression to the semi-finals.

Pride amid heartbreak

This defeat brings an end to Norway’s remarkable journey, which saw them reach their first-ever World Cup quarter-final. An emotional Solbakken expressed great pride in his players, who had spent more than six weeks together chasing an extraordinary achievement on the global stage.

“I feel so sorry for the boys,” Solbakken said. “This is football at the highest level – it gives you the greatest highs and the deepest lows, depending on which side you’re on. We were on the happy side against Brazil, but not today. After a tough opening twenty minutes, we produced a heroic performance in every sense. I can’t fault the players or ask for anything more than what they gave. We lacked a bit of luck, but that’s the game. Right now, we just need to take a breather.”