Scotland cancels Norway friendly, sparking dispute

A planned behind-closed-doors friendly between Scotland and Norway has been cancelled, sparking a public dispute between the two national teams as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Scotland withdrew from the training-ground match, which was scheduled for Monday, June 8, at their base in Charlotte, North Carolina, citing minor injuries within their squad.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke described the decision as precautionary, stating the planned one-hour session was not worth the risk. He said his team had picked up "one or two niggles" last week. The cancellation, however, drew a sharp rebuke from Norwegian officials, who labeled Scotland's actions as unprofessional and embarrassing.

Norway head coach Stale Solbakken expressed frustration that Clarke did not personally inform him of the decision, learning of it through team officials after his squad had finished training on Sunday. Solbakken questioned the timing and validity of Scotland's injury explanation, suggesting the issues did not originate from recent sessions. He said the late notice forced Norway to adjust their plans for a public friendly against Morocco, played on Sunday, by altering player minutes to...