Scotland-Norway Friendly Cancelled As Coaches Clash Over Late Withdrawal

A planned behind-closed-doors friendly between Scotland and Norway has been cancelled, sparking a public row between the two managers just days before the start of their 2026 World Cup campaigns.

The training-ground fixture was due to take place on Monday in North Carolina, where both teams are based for their preparations. Scotland, however, pulled out after reporting several minor injury concerns within the squad.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke said the decision was made to avoid taking unnecessary risks ahead of the tournament.

“It was just going to be a training game for an hour at our training ground. We picked up one or two niggles last week and decided it wasn’t worth the risk,” Clarke said.

The explanation failed to satisfy Norway boss Ståle Solbakken, who launched a stinging criticism of Scotland’s handling of the cancellation.

Speaking after Norway’s 1-1 draw with Morocco on Sunday, Solbakken accused the Scots of acting unprofessionally and expressed frustration at how the decision was communicated.

“It is unprofessional of Scotland,” Solbakken told Norwegian broadcaster NRK. “It is unprofessional that the coach has not called me, that they use the team manager and call and say it after we have finished training.”

The Norwegian manager also questioned the injury explanation offered by Scotland.

“I don’t think the injuries they’re blaming came from the last training session. That’s not the case. It’s disappointing. It’s unprofessional,” he said.

“But we have to live with that. That’s why we adjusted a bit in the game.”

Norway had reportedly built the fixture into their preparations, with officials upset by what they viewed as a last-minute withdrawal.

Team manager Brede Hangeland said arrangements had been agreed months in advance.

“It is embarrassing to cancel it a couple of days before. We can’t do anything about it,” Hangeland said.

“We just have to forget about it and make the best of it. But there has been a lot of organisation, agreements and gentlemen’s agreements and then suddenly they don’t want to.

“I think that was weak, so to speak.”

Despite the controversy, both sides now turn their attention to competitive action. Norway open their Group I campaign against Iraq next Tuesday, while Scotland begins their Group C programme against Haiti three days earlier.