Norway international Alexander Sorloth has been targeted with extreme online abuse after his team’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat to England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following a missed opportunity where the striker chose to shoot rather than pass to Erling Haaland, he received messages suggesting he commit suicide.
The controversy stems from a pivotal counter-attack during the match, where Sorloth opted to strike despite Haaland being open. England managed to block the attempt, eventually equalizing and winning in extra time. Lena Selnes, Sorloth’s partner, shared evidence of the hateful messages on Instagram.
Norway manager Stale Solbakken denounced the hostility, labeling it a grim indicator of current football culture. He advised his players to avoid digital platforms during these periods, calling the abuse entirely irrational.
Addressing the criticism, Sorloth explained that he intended to find his teammate but believed the passing angle was blocked by defender John Stones. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of player harassment during major tournaments, prompting renewed demands for stricter social media oversight from football governing bodies.
