Norway forward Alexander Sorloth has revealed he received death threats and messages urging him to take his own life following his country’s quarter-final defeat to England at the 2026 World Cup.
The Atletico Madrid player came under intense criticism for choosing to shoot rather than pass to an unmarked Erling Haaland during a promising counter-attack when Norway were leading 1-0. His effort was blocked, allowing England to equalise and eventually win 2-1 in extra time.
Sorloth defended his choice after the match. “The only thing I wanted to do in that situation was to pass to Erling,” he said. “But it felt like the pass wasn’t there, so I went to shoot.”
His partner Lena Selnes shared screenshots of abusive messages on social media, prompting condemnation from Norway coach Stale Solbakken. “It is tragic,” Solbakken told reporters. “That is the world we live in. I tell the boys to stay away from social media, especially on days like this.”
The incident has added to concerns over online harassment of players during the tournament, with football authorities facing renewed calls for stronger measures against abuse.
