England will face Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday but it's now been confirmed the Three Lions' opponents have been hit by a sickness bug in their camp
Norway's Kristoffer Ajer, Norway's Ørjan Håskjold Nyland and Norway's Erling Braut Haaland singing the national anthem during the international friendly match between Norway and Switzerland at Ullevaal Stadion
Orjan Nyland has confirmed Norway are indeed battling illness in the squad ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against England(Image: DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
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Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland has confirmed reports of a sickness bug circulating within the squad are accurate. England are due to meet Erling Haaland & Co in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals at Miami Stadium on Saturday.
Their build-up took an unexpected twist this week, however, following revelations that multiple squad members have fallen ill during the course of the World Cup. The problems are understood to date back to the group stage, though team doctor Ola Sand has sought to downplay the speculation.
Nyland perhaps did quite the reverse during a television interview with English presenter James Corden after Manchester City star Haaland inspired Norway's shock 2-1 victory over Brazil in the last 16. And he even seemed to indicate the difficulties are continuing for their players, just days before their quarter-final encounter with the Three Lions.
"I can confirm that it's true," said the Sevilla shot-stopper during a recent appearance on Corden's FOX Sports 'After Hours' programme. "We have had our problems. We're doing the best that we can and the team doctor is very busy at the moment."
Corden jokingly urged his guest to verify the news before taking on his nation in Miami this weekend. Upon discovering reports of illness in the Norway squad were genuine, the Gavin and Stacey star smiled wide as he responded: "I'm so happy to hear that. I really am."
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Earlier in the tournament, Crystal Palace forward Jorgen Strand Larsen revealed he was "lying in a hospital bed for two days straight" before Norway's group-stage win over Iraq. Multiple members of the coaching staff, including manager Stale Solbakken, have also reportedly experienced coughs and throat complaints in recent weeks.
Corden pushed for explanations about what might have triggered the problems within Norway's camp. He joked a few Manhattan hot dogs around their last match at New York New Jersey Stadium may have been responsible.
"I don't have any clue," said Nyland in response. "We do have some time off, so maybe someone contracted [something] during the time off. But hopefully everything goes well and we face England with a fully rested squad on Saturday."
Corden took the jest one step further by claiming he was delighted the Norway squad appreciated an "edible arrangement" he had sent them. Not that any sickness was evident during their shock victory over Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil.
Haaland was in especially impressive form as he netted a match-winning double. And Nyland put himself in contention for Player of the Match accolades with several outstanding stops, including one from a Bruno Guimaraes spot-kick.
Solbakken will certainly share his goalkeeper's sentiments and hope to have a complete roster of players available for Norway's maiden World Cup quarter-final. They're already experiencing their best campaign in World Cup history following a 28-year absence and are now just two victories from reaching a first-ever final.