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Sports July 12, 2026

Norway's substitution of Erling Haaland in their World Cup loss to England raises questions.

Norway's substitution of Erling Haaland in their World Cup loss to England raises questions.

Norway's World Cup campaign came to an end as they were beaten by England in extra time, with the match ending 2-1 in favor of the English team.

Erling Haaland, Norway's star striker, failed to find the net during the match, and was substituted during halftime of extra time by his coach, Stale Solbakken. Haaland was replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen as Norway chased an equalizer.

Solbakken explained that the decision to substitute Haaland was not a difficult one, as the player was visibly fatigued. Haaland had played a significant role in Norway's World Cup campaign, scoring seven goals in five games.

epa13106002 Erling Haaland of Norway walks off the pitch after the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals match Norway against England, in Miami, USA, 11 July 2026. England won 2-1. EPA/RONALD WITTEK

Haaland himself admitted that he was "completely done" after the match, which was played in 32°C heat in Miami. He reflected on Norway's World Cup campaign, describing it as the best six weeks of his life.

Despite the loss, Haaland expressed pride in his team's achievements, but also emphasized the importance of learning from their mistakes. He acknowledged that small details had made the difference in the match, and that England's experience had ultimately given them the edge.

Haaland's impressive World Cup campaign came to a close, but he will look back on the experience as a memorable one. The Norwegian team's quarterfinal finish in the World Cup was a notable achievement, but ultimately fell short of their goal of reaching the semifinals.

Norway's Erling Haaland (9) sits on the bench during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Norway and England in Miami Gardens, Fla., Saturday, July 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 11: Jude Bellingham #10 of England is congratulated by Erling Haaland #9 of Norway after the 2-1 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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