Scotland's return to the World Cup after 28 years has been overshadowed by a dispute with Norway over a cancelled training match. The game, scheduled for Monday in Charlotte, North Carolina, was called off by Scotland on Saturday, prompting fierce criticism from the Norwegian camp.
Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken branded Scotland's behaviour "unprofessional" and "embarrassing", while team manager Brede Hangeland described the cancellation as "weak". The Scottish FA expressed surprise at the reaction, noting that the match was arranged between team administrators, not head coaches.
The cancellation was prompted by injuries, including a serious one to Billy Gilmour that ruled him out of the World Cup. Scotland midfielder John McGinn defended the decision, saying: "If Norway lost Erling Haaland or Martin Ødegaard, they would cancel the game as well."
Scotland's Scott McKenna and Nathan Patterson have also had their training managed due to minor knocks. The Scottish FA stated that the game was meant to be behind closed doors and not publicised, adding that they alerted Norway as soon as possible after deciding to cancel.
