A viral claim that Erling Haaland unfollowed his Norway teammate Alexander Sorloth on Instagram after Norway’s heartbreaking 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals has been debunked.
The rumour, which spread rapidly across social media platforms on Sunday night, suggested that Haaland was furious with Sorloth for not passing to him during a crucial counter-attack when Norway was leading 1-0.
Many fans believed the claim after seeing the moment in the match where Sorloth chose to shoot instead of squaring the ball to an unmarked Haaland.
Haaland unfollow Alexander Sorloth on Instagram – The Viral Claim
Several accounts posted messages claiming:
“Erling Haaland has unfollowed Alexander Sorloth on Instagram after the match.”
The post gained thousands of likes and shares within hours, with many fans expressing disappointment in both players. Some even started trending hashtags related to the supposed rift between the two Norwegian stars.
Fact Check: The Claim is FALSE
Haaland Did NOT Unfollow Sorloth on Instagram After Norway’s World Cup Exit – Viral Claim Debunked
After checking both players’ Instagram accounts thoroughly, it has been confirmed that Erling Haaland still follows Alexander Sorloth. There is no evidence that Haaland unfollowed him.
Multiple fact-checking outlets and journalists have also confirmed that the original post originated from a parody/satire account, not a credible source. The claim was completely fabricated.
Here’s what we verified:
- Haaland’s following list still includes Sorloth.
- Sorloth has not unfollowed Haaland either.
- No credible Norwegian or international media outlet has reported any tension between the two players.
What Actually Happened on the Pitch?
During the quarter-final against England, Sorloth had a clear opportunity to pass to Haaland for a potential second goal. Instead, he took the shot himself and missed. Norway eventually lost the match 2-1 in extra time.
Television cameras caught Haaland looking visibly frustrated at the moment, which sparked online speculation. However, this appears to be nothing more than normal on-pitch frustration in a high-pressure World Cup knockout match.
Sorloth Faces Heavy Abuse Online
While the unfollow claim is false, Alexander Sorloth has unfortunately become the target of heavy criticism and online abuse from Norway fans.
Thousands of negative comments have flooded his Instagram posts since the match. His partner even shared screenshots of disturbing messages she received, highlighting the toxic side of social media during major tournaments.
No Rift Between Haaland and Sorloth
Neither Haaland nor Sorloth has made any public statement suggesting any personal issues between them. Norway teammates have historically maintained a strong bond, and there are no indications that this single moment has damaged their relationship off the pitch.
Haaland, who has been one of Norway’s standout performers in the tournament, is known for his professionalism and rarely gets involved in public controversies.
Verdict
False
Erling Haaland did not unfollow Alexander Sorloth on Instagram. The viral claim is fake and was started by a parody account. Fans are advised to avoid spreading unverified rumours, especially during high-stakes matches when emotions are already running high.
