Erling Haaland (4th L) of Norway celebrates scoring with teammates during the round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the New York New Jersey Stadium, the United States, July 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Norway have dismissed suggestions that illness could derail their historic FIFA World Cup campaign, insisting every player is fit and ready for Saturday's quarter-final showdown against England in Miami.
Speculation over the Scandinavians' fitness gathered pace after reports in the British media claimed a sickness bug had swept through the Norwegian camp, raising questions over the availability of several key players, including star striker Erling Haaland.
However, Norway's medical team has firmly rejected those claims, maintaining that the squad is in excellent condition ahead of the country's biggest match on the world stage.
Team doctor Ola Sand moved swiftly to calm fears, revealing that the minor illnesses experienced earlier in the tournament had long since passed.
"All players are healthy now," Sand told Norwegian outlet Nettavisen, dismissing suggestions that Norway were battling a serious outbreak.
He explained that the occasional coughs and colds were inevitable during a tournament in which players and staff had travelled and lived together for almost six weeks.
"There has been very little fuss considering how long we have been together," Sand said, before joking that the English media had exaggerated the situation.
"So great that they believe this. We are in control."
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken had previously acknowledged that a handful of players and staff had experienced flu-like symptoms during the competition.
Forward Jørgen Strand Larsen missed Norway's opening fixture after developing a high fever, while defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen was unavailable for the dramatic Round of 16 victory over Brazil.
Solbakken himself also appeared under the weather during recent media engagements, attributing the issue to constant travel, demanding schedules and heavy air conditioning inside stadiums.
The coach, however, stressed that only one player had suffered a genuine fever and confirmed that Pedersen has already returned to full training.
Norway have also taken extra measures to maximise recovery before facing England by relocating to a different hotel in Miami after construction work near their original accommodation disrupted the players' sleep.
The decision underlined the meticulous planning behind a campaign that has already rewritten Norwegian football history.
After ending a 28-year absence from the World Cup, Norway have surpassed every previous achievement by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.
Their memorable run has included victories over Ivory Coast and five-time champions Brazil, with Haaland once again proving decisive by scoring twice in the last-16 triumph.
The Manchester City striker has not been affected by any illness and is expected to spearhead Norway's attack at Hard Rock Stadium as they seek another famous scalp.
England, meanwhile, arrive in Miami with problems of their own despite edging Mexico 3-2 to book their place in the last eight.
Manager Thomas Tuchel must cope without experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson, whose tournament ended following a wrist fracture, while defender Jarell Quansah serves a suspension after his red card. Full-back Reece James is also being monitored because of an ongoing hamstring complaint.
With a place in the semi-finals against either Argentina or Switzerland at stake, Norway believe their preparations have not been compromised by the illness rumours and insist they are ready to continue the greatest World Cup adventure in the nation's history.
