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Norway change World Cup team hotel in Miami days before England showdown

Al Jazeera · 2026-07-10

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Norway's national football team changed their hotel in Miami just days before their World Cup match against England due to dissatisfaction with their initial accommodation, citing excessive noise from construction and hygiene concerns. • Why it matters: The team's swift relocation highlights their commitment to optimal preparation for what is considered one of the most significant matches in Norwegian football history, following their victory over Brazil in the knockout stage. • What to watch next: Fans and analysts will be closely watching the upcoming quarterfinal match between Norway and England, as both teams come off recent victories and the stakes are high for this pivotal encounter.

**Norway Changes World Cup Team Hotel in Miami Days Before England Showdown**

In a surprising turn of events just days before their highly anticipated World Cup match against England, Norway's national football team has relocated their accommodation in Miami. The decision was made after players expressed dissatisfaction with their initial hotel, The Dalmar Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, citing excessive noise from ongoing construction outside the building.

Norway's preparations for the quarterfinal clash were already underway following their impressive 2-1 victory over Brazil, which secured their place in the knockout stage of the tournament. Meanwhile, England advanced after a narrow 3-2 win against Mexico, setting the stage for a crucial encounter at Miami Stadium.

Reports indicate that the Norwegian team spent only one night at The Dalmar before opting for a change. Team captain Martin Ødegaard acknowledged the need for improvement in their accommodations, stating, “There were some things that could have been better, and we fixed them. Just to optimise and prepare ourselves as best as possible for an important match.”

Truls Daehli, the team's logistics manager, described the situation as “brutal” but expressed satisfaction with the new hotel arrangement. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive atmosphere for the players, especially leading up to what he termed the “biggest match in Norwegian history.” Daehli noted that the support staff managed to facilitate the move in just two-and-a-half hours, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

“We are going to stay for a week in Miami, and we have now been for six weeks in the United States,” Daehli explained. “We wanted to take action as soon as possible. Having a good atmosphere is most important.” He also mentioned that FIFA had approved the hotel change and would cover a significant portion of the relocation costs.

Norway's star striker, Erling Haaland, echoed the sentiments of his teammates regarding the need for optimal preparation. “It’s the biggest match in our history, and we need to be at 100 percent,” he said. While acknowledging the chaotic nature of the move, Haaland expressed relief that FIFA responded promptly to their request.

In addition to the noise complaints, reports from BeIN Sports suggested that hygiene concerns also played a role in the decision to change hotels. Despite earlier rumors of illness affecting some players, head coach Ståle Solbakken quickly dismissed these claims, reassuring fans and media alike.

As the Norwegian team settles into their new accommodations, they remain focused on their upcoming match against England, which promises to be a pivotal moment in the nation's footballing journey. With both teams coming off significant victories, the showdown in Miami is expected to draw considerable attention from fans and analysts alike.

Norway's swift response to the hotel situation underscores the team's commitment to ensuring the best possible conditions for their players as they prepare for one of the most significant games in the country's football history.

Source: Al Jazeera
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