Norway Coach Eyes England Upset in World Cup Semifinal
Norway faces England in a World Cup semifinal on July 12 after eliminating Brazil, with coach Solbakken acknowledging the English as favorites but believing his underdog team can compete.
Norway's head coach Staale Solbakken believes England are greater favorites to reach the World Cup 2026 final than his team. Norway will take on England in the semifinal on July 11 (July 12 Thailand time) after stunning five-time world champions Brazil in the previous round. Speaking ahead of the match, Solbakken acknowledged England's status as favorites: "They are favorites, but not overwhelming favorites." He added: "I think England face more pressure than we do, but we've put pressure on ourselves with our performances too. Once the match starts, I don't think the players are thinking about the pressure anymore." Solbakken concluded: "Brazil and England may be the two greatest nations we could face at this World Cup in terms of history."
