Norway has adopted a distinctly national approach to its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, transporting hundreds of kilograms of traditional food products to the United States as it gears up for its first appearance at the tournament in nearly three decades.
The Scandinavian nation has shipped more than 300 kilograms of fish and 116 kilograms of its well-known brown cheese to its training base in Greensboro, North Carolina, where players are preparing for the competition. The move forms part of an effort to provide familiar food and maintain a sense of home as the squad readies itself for football’s biggest stage.
Norway, led by striker Erling Haaland and captain Martin Odegaard, will compete in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Iraq. The tournament marks the country’s first World Cup appearance since 1998 and only the fourth in its history.
To manage the team’s nutritional programme, the Norwegian Football Federation has enlisted chef Aron Espeland alongside the national team’s long-serving culinary staff. Espeland arrives with a distinguished reputation, having won a gold medal with Norway at the Culinary Olympics in 2020.
The emphasis on food quality has been central to Norway’s preparations, with the team determined to provide players with ingredients sourced from home.
“We want what we think is good and work with the best Norwegian ingredients available,” Espeland told Norwegian outlet VG.
“Being able to serve it when it really matters is something we take pride in.”
Transporting such large quantities of food across the Atlantic has presented logistical challenges. However, officials have considered the effort worthwhile as they seek to create the best possible environment for the players during the tournament.
Espeland acknowledged the scale of the operation, noting the amount of fish expected to be consumed throughout Norway’s stay in the United States.
“It’s not easy to fly to the US with half a tonne of fish,” he said.
Norway arrived in North Carolina earlier this week and will continue its preparations with a friendly match against Morocco on 7 June in New Jersey. The fixture is expected to provide an important test before the team begins its World Cup campaign later in the month.
The Norwegians will open their tournament against Iraq on 16 June at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with hopes high that a talented generation of players can make a lasting impression on the competition.
For Haaland, the World Cup represents the fulfilment of a long-standing ambition. Since making his senior debut in 2019, the forward has repeatedly expressed his desire to help return Norway to major international tournaments.
“Ever since I made my international debut in 2019, my big goal has been to get Norway to a World Cup and Euros,” Haaland said.
“There is a lot of pressure on me but I like the pressure. We now have an amazing generation and I want to build on this. I want to develop the whole federation and everything around it to become a big football nation.
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Norway’s return to the World Cup comes after a 28-year absence, with optimism surrounding a squad featuring some of the country’s most accomplished modern players. As preparations continue in the United States, the team hopes its blend of elite talent, careful planning and familiar comforts can help launch a new chapter in Norwegian football history.
