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Sports July 8, 2026

Norway Rejects England's Pre-World Cup Concerns Over Sickness Bug Outbreak

Norway Rejects England's Pre-World Cup Concerns Over Sickness Bug Outbreak

Norway's players have been dealing with minor health issues, but the team's doctor says the situation has been exaggerated.

Team doctor Ola Sand told Nettavisen that all players are now healthy, despite some initial concerns about an alleged 'sickness bug' spreading through the squad.

Sand downplayed the severity of the situation, stating that very little fuss was made considering the team had been together for almost six weeks.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 05: Andreas Schjelderup of Norway celebrates with Erling Haaland of Norway after he scores the opening goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 05, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

When asked about the headlines in the English media, Sand replied, "So great that they believe this. We are in control."

Norway's striker Jorgen Strand Larsen suffered from a more serious illness at the start of the World Cup, requiring a two-day hospital stay.

Strand Larsen admitted that the severity of his illness was not fully disclosed, saying, "I had been in the hospital bed for two days straight and was really sick."

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Jean Catuffe/DPPI/Shutterstock (16980218u) Erling Haaland #9 and Norway head coach Stale Solbakken celebrate the victory following the FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 16 football match between Brazil and Norway on 5 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New York, New Jersey, United States FOOTBALL - WORLD CUP 2026 - BRAZIL v NORWAY, East Rutherford, United States - 06 Jul 2026

Despite initial fears, Strand Larsen was able to recover quickly and even started Norway's 4-1 win over Iraq in their opening World Cup group game.

No further details were provided about the health situation within the Norway team.

Mandatory Ivoorkust - Noorwegen - Dallas stadium, DALLAS, United States - 30 Jun 2026

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