Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has slammed Scotland’s conduct as “unprofessional” following the Scottish national team’s exit from the 2026 World Cup. The outburst comes amid reports of significant tension between the two sides, with Scotland reportedly refusing to respond to Solbakken’s accusations.
Why Ståle Solbakken criticized Scotland
The conflict escalated following a heated tirade from Solbakken, who expressed intense frustration toward the Scottish camp. According to local media reports, the Norwegian manager did not hold back in his assessment of Scotland’s behavior, specifically labeling their actions as unprofessional.
“Unprofessional.”
Ståle Solbakken
The timing of the comments coincides with Scotland’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup, adding a layer of diplomatic friction to the team’s sporting disappointment.
How Scotland has responded to the allegations
While Solbakken has been vocal in his criticism, the reaction from the Scottish side has been one of silence. Local reports indicate that Scotland has refused to answer the claims made by the Norway manager, opting not to engage with the accusations publicly.

Impact on the 2026 World Cup
The fallout from this dispute marks a bitter end to Scotland’s campaign in the 2026 World Cup. While the team’s exit is a sporting blow, the public nature of Solbakken’s rage and Scotland’s subsequent refusal to respond have shifted the focus toward the breakdown in professionalism between the two nations.