Norway faces illness before World Cup quarterfinal

Norway’s historic World Cup campaign has encountered a health challenge ahead of its first-ever quarterfinal against England on Saturday, July 11, in Miami. Manager Ståle Solbakken confirmed that a wave of mild illness and fatigue has affected his squad, though he and the team doctor have downplayed its severity.

Solbakken stated that only one player, forward Jørgen Strand Larsen, has had a fever, but acknowledged scattered coughing and rasping among the traveling party of over 50 players and staff. He attributed the issues to the demanding travel schedule across North America, citing factors like air conditioning, flights, and time spent in changing rooms. Team doctor Ola Sand later insisted reports had been exaggerated, telling Norwegian media that all players are healthy now and that the situation is under control.

The illness has impacted the team at various stages. Strand Larsen missed Norway’s opening match against Iraq on June 16 due to a fever, an absence he later described as more severe than initially disclosed, saying he had been in a hospital bed for two days. Defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen was unavailable for the team’s landmark 2-1 victory over Brazil in the...