Erling Haaland and Alexander Sorloth: Debunking Social Media Rumors After Norway's World Cup Exit

Norway's FIFA World Cup journey ended in a heartbreaking loss to England, igniting rumors about Erling Haaland unfollowing teammate Alexander Sorloth on Instagram. This speculation arose from a controversial moment during the match when Sorloth chose to shoot instead of passing to Haaland. However, a fact-check reveals that the rumor is unfounded, as Haaland still follows Sorloth. This article delves into the incident that sparked the discussion and clarifies the relationship between the two players amidst the aftermath of their defeat.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 13, 2026, 07:45 IST

Norway's World Cup Journey Ends in Heartbreak

Norway's aspirations for the FIFA World Cup came to a disappointing halt with a 2-1 defeat to England in the quarterfinals. The aftermath of this loss has sparked ongoing discussions, particularly surrounding a rumor that Erling Haaland unfollowed his teammate Alexander Sorloth on Instagram. This speculation arose after Sorloth opted to shoot instead of passing to a wide-open Haaland during a promising first-half opportunity. However, a thorough fact-check revealed that this claim is false; Haaland continues to follow Sorloth on the platform.

The Incident That Triggered the Speculation

What Sparked The Rumour?

During the first half of the match, a pivotal moment occurred when Haaland and Sorloth found themselves in a 2-on-1 situation. As the English defenders closed in, Sorloth chose to take a shot rather than pass to Haaland, who was in a prime position for an easy goal. Haaland's visible frustration was evident through his body language, as he clearly wanted the ball.

After the match, Sorloth faced significant backlash, with many arguing that a pass to Haaland could have changed the outcome in Norway's favor. At that moment, Norway was leading, and an additional goal would have significantly increased their chances of victory, especially as England struggled to maintain possession under pressure.

Despite the uproar, the rumors circulating online appear to be largely driven by parody accounts and trolls. Haaland's Instagram activity confirms he has not unfollowed Sorloth, and there are no indications from Sorloth that he has distanced himself from his teammate.