Erling Haaland draws attention to mouth‑taping while Norway defeats Brazil in World Cup

Norwegian striker Erling Haaland has publicized the mouth‑taping technique – sealing the lips during sleep to encourage nasal breathing – which has gained traction on social media as a recovery method. A 2025 scientific review of ten studies involving 233 participants found only limited benefits and highlighted methodological weaknesses. Health professionals caution that the practice is unsuitable for individuals with chronic nasal blockage, allergic rhinitis, septal deviation, nasal polyps, sinusitis, suspected sleep‑apnea, gastro‑oesophageal reflux, children or the elderly, as it can impede natural breathing compensation and delay diagnosis.

In the World Cup round of 16, Norway upset Brazil 2‑1, securing a place in the quarter‑finals. Coach Stale Solbakken said Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti presented him with a Brazilian national‑team shirt bearing his name as a gesture of sportsmanship. Solbakken praised the gift, noted limited sleep after the match, and confirmed Norway will face England in Miami for the next round.