Norway exits World Cup after VAR call sparks controversy

By Rohan Gupta — 12 July 2026 — 4 min read

Norway concluded its FIFA World Cup journey in the quarter-finals, following a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England. The match, held in Miami, saw several contentious decisions, including a disallowed goal for Norway, which drew strong reactions from striker Erling Haaland and his father, Alf-Inge Haaland.

Erling Haaland, who finished the tournament with seven goals, expressed his frustration over a VAR decision that negated a potential go-ahead goal for Norway. The incident occurred in the 55th minute when Torbjorn Heggem appeared to restore Norway’s lead after a corner. However, following a VAR review, the goal was disallowed, with officials ruling that Haaland had fouled Elliot Anderson of England prior to the corner kick.

Haaland disagreed with the ruling, stating, “I felt like I was being pulled the whole way, and I think it was a soft decision. If that’s a free kick, then I should have a free kick in almost every duel in every single match.”

His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, also voiced his displeasure with the officiating. Following the match, he made a social media post sarcastically commending Jude Bellingham and the referee, which quickly gained attention online.

Controversial Decisions Mark Quarter-Final

The quarter-final match was marred by two significant decisions that went against Norway. The first controversial moment involved England’s equaliser. This goal came in first-half stoppage time after a goal-kick. Norway protested, believing the ball had brushed an overhead camera cable before dropping into England’s possession, arguing that play should have been stopped. However, FIFA later issued a statement indicating that technology showed no contact, with the sensor in the Connected Ball registering no peak in its ‘heartbeat’ that would suggest it touched the overhead wire or changed its movement.

The second key incident was the disallowed goal for Norway in the 55th minute. After a corner, Torbjorn Heggem found the net, but the goal was overturned by VAR due to a foul by Erling Haaland on Elliot Anderson. These decisions contributed to Norway’s frustration as they battled England in intense heat and humidity.

Despite the challenging conditions, Erling Haaland refused to use them as an excuse for the defeat. He acknowledged the difficulty of playing in the humidity but maintained that quarter-finals are often decided by small details, some of which went against his team.

Haaland Reflects on Norway’s World Cup Journey

Despite the disappointment of the exit, Erling Haaland reflected positively on Norway’s overall performance in the tournament. He described the experience as “the coolest six weeks I’ve had in my entire life,” calling it “completely crazy” and filled with “memories for life.” He also noted it was “the most fun thing I’ve been a part of.”

Haaland believes that Norway’s run to the quarter-finals has had a significant impact on football in his home country. He highlighted how the team’s performances, coupled with the popularity of the supporters’ “Viking row” celebrations, elevated Norway’s profile on the global stage. The chant, adopted by both fans and players, became a viral sensation across social media and in the host cities throughout the competition.

He expressed his hope that their success would inspire young people in Norway, demonstrating that it is possible to compete at the highest level of international football. “The way we put Norway on the map is the one thing that touches me the most,” Haaland said. “I hope this gives motivation to young people back in Norway that it’s possible. It’s possible to play on the biggest stage in the world with a Norway t-shirt on.”

The tournament also featured a reunion with his close friend and former Borussia Dortmund teammate, Jude Bellingham, who ultimately scored both goals that ended Norway’s World Cup campaign. Haaland praised Bellingham, calling him “a good friend” and “such a good guy,” and expressed no surprise at his performance. He also mentioned that he would continue to follow England’s progress in the tournament, having received an England jersey before a Norway jersey when he was young.

Haaland believes that Norway has already achieved something significant by proving its ability to compete with traditional football powers, citing their victory over Brazil and their strong challenge against England. He stated, “I’ve said it many times, we’re building something in Norway. I think it’s already built. We’ve shown that it’s possible to beat one of the biggest football nations in the world, Brazil. We gave England a good fight.”

Following an emotionally demanding six weeks, Haaland indicated he is looking forward to a break. He concluded, “I am completely finished now, I can safely say that. It’s been so many impressions, so many feelings. I’m quite happy with my life. I’m in a good place.”

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Rohan Gupta

Sports Reporter