Norway has made its deepest World Cup run ever over the past month. Without Erling Haaland, that likely would not be true.
The star striker has become a sensation in North American this summer, guiding Norway to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup. On Saturday, Haaland was back in action against England, looking to find the back of the net yet again and reach the semifinals.
Instead, Haaland had his quietest performance of the tournament yet — and stunningly, with Norway trailing in extra time, he was subbed off the pitch.
Here’s the latest on Haaland’s early exit vs. England.
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Is Erling Haaland injured?
For now, it’s unknown whether Haaland is dealing with an injury. At the very least, in temperatures floating around 90 degrees on Saturday, he appeared exhausted as he made his way to the Norway bench.
Haaland subbed off halfway through extra time with his team trailing 2-1 — circumstances in which teams would typically turn toward a star of his caliber to make something happen.
With his exit, it marked the first 2026 World Cup match in which Haaland failed to score, putting up seven goals already entering Saturday. He finished with a total of 21 touches.
Erling Haaland in 105 minutes vs England:
0 goals0 assists0 chances created0 big chances created0 dribbles0 fouls won
First time he fails to score in a match this World Cup. pic.twitter.com/VGL5fRh0KW
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) July 11, 2026
Why did Norway sub Erling Haaland off vs. England?
At the very least, Haaland appeared exhausted as he left the pitch 105 minutes into Saturday’s match vs. England. Unless Norway reveals that Haaland was dealing with an injury, it’s expected that he simply needed rest after a long, hot and tense quarterfinal matchup.
Erling Haaland subs off for Norway in the second half of extra time pic.twitter.com/6kiTnvFI6B
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 11, 2026
Haaland was then seen grabbing his head from the Norway bench.
Erling Haaland on the bench with Norway trailing 2-1 in extra time pic.twitter.com/gGjr0R0CsI
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 11, 2026