Norway doctor issues update on sickness bug in squad ahead of England showdown

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Evening Standard

9 July 2026

Players have been “coughing and rasping” at the World Cup

Norway

team doctor Ola Sand dismissed concerns over illness within the squad ahead of Saturday’s

World Cup

quarter-final against

England

It had been reported in Norwegian media that players in the camp had been struggling with sickness following an intense tournament schedule that has seen the team travel extensively across the United States.

Earlier this week, head coach

Stale Solbakken

admitted some players had experienced coughing, fatigue and other minor symptoms, raising fears that the squad could be weakened before their biggest match in

history.

Solbakken told reporters: "We've had a few players who haven't been feeling well, but things are getting better. It's not ideal during a tournament, but we're managing the issue."

However, Sand has now reassured supporters that there is no cause for alarm.

Speaking to Norwegian media, the team doctor confirmed that every player is currently fit and available, insisting the situation is under control despite the rumours.

She told Nettavisen: "All players are healthy now. Very little fuss considering that we have been close together for almost six weeks.

"So great that [the English media] believe this. We are in control."

The concerns initially stemmed from Solbakken's comments after

's shock victory over Brazil in the last 16. The manager told reporters: "We’ve really only had Jorgen who has had a fever. But then there’s been a bit of coughing and rasping, scattered throughout. But there’s air conditioning, flights, changing rooms and all that.

“We’re over 50 people so it would be strange if one or the other didn’t come."

Strand Larsen missed training before the tournament opener, while Marcus Holmgren Pedersen was unavailable for the win over Brazil because he was unwell. Even Solbakken was seen coughing during a post-match press conference, fuelling speculation about the team's condition.

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