What happened?
Norway swapped hotels in Fort Lauderdale after just one night, according to World Cup chief Truls Dæhli. The new accommodation sits beside a busy road with a construction site right outside, and the beach is four kilometres away. Dæhli told TV 2 that they wanted a quieter base to prepare as well as possible for the upcoming match.
Why the change?
Captain Martin Ødegaard said the first location was too close to traffic and noise, which could affect player recovery. "We want to avoid illness and minimise risk," Ødegaard said at the press conference on Wednesday. FIFA gave the green light for the move, but the Norwegian Football Association must cover a small surcharge because the new hotel is more expensive.
How does this affect the team?
The coaching staff believes a calmer environment can give better focus for the crucial quarter‑final against England in Miami. Dæhli added that they have already spent a week in the US and are now in week six of the tournament. This is Norway's biggest match in history, and the squad has so far avoided illness thanks to the preventive measures.
What is the current situation?
Norway has recently lost two games in a row, with a recent form of 1W‑1D‑2L (LLDW) over the last four matches. The latest result was a 1‑4 defeat to France on 2026‑06‑26. Despite that, the team remains optimistic ahead of the quarter‑final. Their next fixture after the World Cup is a home game against Portugal on 2026‑09‑27.
What does this mean for fans?
Supporters now know the team has taken concrete steps to ensure the best possible conditions during the tournament. The change shows the management is willing to invest in player welfare, even at extra cost. For fans in Miami it means a more focused Norwegian side when they face England on the pitch.
Norway Hub