WORLD CUP 2026: WHY I DIDN’T PASS TO HAALAND — NORWAY’S SORLOTH SPEAKS OUT AS DEATH THREATS ESCALATE
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
Norway striker Alexander Sorloth has become the latest player to face online abuse at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, receiving messages urging him to take his own life after his country’s quarter-final defeat to England, Reuters reports.
The Atletico Madrid forward came under intense criticism following Norway’s dramatic 2-1 extra-time loss to England on Saturday.
The backlash stemmed from a key moment in the match when Sorloth opted to shoot instead of passing to an unmarked Erling Haaland during a two-on-one counter-attack with Norway leading 1-0. His effort was blocked before England equalised and went on to seal victory to book a place in the semi-finals.
The abuse intensified on social media after Sorloth’s partner, Lena Selnes, shared screenshots on Instagram showing a series of abusive messages, including comments urging the 30-year-old striker to take his own life.
Norway head coach Stale Solbakken condemned the attacks, describing them as a disturbing reflection of modern football culture.
“It is tragic,” Solbakken told reporters in Miami.
“That is the world we live in. I tell the boys to stay away from social media, especially on days like this.
“There is nothing more to say about it other than it is completely devoid of sense on every possible level.”
Sorloth defended his decision after the match, explaining that he had intended to pass to Haaland but believed England defender John Stones had cut off the passing lane.
“The only thing I wanted to do in that situation was to pass to Erling,” Sorloth said.
“But it felt like the pass wasn’t there, so I went to shoot.”
The incident adds to the growing number of cases of online abuse targeting players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with football authorities and teams continuing to call for stronger action against social media harassment following high-profile matches.
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