Norway's World Cup quarter-final match against England on July 11, 2026, saw a surprising substitution that left fans baffled: talisman Erling Haaland was taken off during extra time. The decision came as Norway trailed England in the latter stages of the match, which was played in intense heat in Miami.
Manager Stale Solbakken opted to replace Haaland with Jorgen Strand Larsen of Crystal Palace at the break of extra time. Haaland was seen receiving treatment at full-time, suggesting the match's intensity may have taken a toll on the prolific striker. The exact circumstances and reasons for his substitution remain a point of discussion among fans and observers following the match.