Scotland cancels training match with Norway, sparking controversy
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 8, 2026, 5:56 PM
Last updated Jun 8, 2026

Scotland's planned training match with Norway set for Monday in Charlotte has been canceled, drawing criticism from the Norwegian side. Steve Clarke's team was labeled 'unprofessional' and 'weak' following the decision. The match's cancellation stems from concerns related to injuries, the absence of Billy Gilmour, who is out of the World Cup. John McGinn urged Norway to consider Scotland's injury challenges as the Scottish FA expressed surprise at the backlash. Both teams are currently in North Carolina preparing for their World Cup campaigns.
- •Scotland canceled a training match scheduled for June 8.
- •Norway criticized Scotland as 'unprofessional' following the cancellation.
- •John McGinn highlighted Scotland's injury issues as a reason for postponement.
- •Billy Gilmour's injury significantly influenced the decision to cancel the match.
- •Both teams are in North Carolina for World Cup preparations.
- 5:56 PMThe Guardian Sport — Scotland in World Cup war of words with Norway over cancelled training match
"Scotland branded ‘unprofessional, weak’ John McGinn: ‘Our job is to look after Scotland’ Scotland’s return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence has been immediately overshadowed by a war of words with Norway. Steve Clarke and Scotland were branded “unprofessional”, “embarrassing” and “weak” by the Norwegians after the cancellation of a training game planned for Monday in Charlotte. After the Scottish FA expressed “surprise” at the Norwegian stance, the Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn told the aggrieved parties to read up on Scotland’s injury situation. With the Scots and Norway both based in North Carolina, a game was scheduled to afford minutes to players requiring them. Scotland postponed the match on Saturday, with the injury sustained by Billy Gilmour during the recent friendly against Curaçao – which put him out of the World Cup – apparently uppermost in Clarke’s thoughts. Continue reading...
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