Norway’s run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended with a 2-1 quarterfinal loss to England on Saturday, July 12th, 2026, in Miami. The match stirred controversy when Norway’s star forward Erling Haaland, who had scored seven goals in the tournament, was unexpectedly substituted off for Jorgen Strand Larsen during the second half of extra time.

Haaland, 25, was kept scoreless in the match and had committed a pre-corner foul that cost Norway a potential second goal. The decision to remove him with 15 minutes left while Norway trailed by one goal was met with disappointment and criticism on social media. Many questioned whether the substitution was due to injury, but no official explanation was immediately provided.

The substitution was particularly notable given Haaland’s status as one of the tournament’s most electric players and his key role for Norway. The Norwegian team’s manager, Ståle Solbakken, is expected to address the decision in post-match discussions.

Erling Haaland, who plays for Manchester City, left the pitch as Norway was eliminated, marking an abrupt end to his World Cup campaign. The move to bench him during such a critical moment remains a focal point of debate among fans and analysts alike.

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