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Why Norway Switched Hotels Ahead of Their England Quarter-Final Clash at the 2026 World Cup
Sameer Bhatia | July 10, 2026 7:09 AM CST

Norway have encountered yet another unusual challenge, being compelled to change their hotel ahead of their crucial quarter-final against England at the 2026 World Cup.

In addition to this logistical disruption, reports have also surfaced of illness affecting several members of the Norwegian camp, adding to the team’s pre-match concerns.

Norway’s 2-1 triumph over Brazil in the previous round was seen as a stunning underdog victory, setting up a historic encounter with England. However, questions have emerged about why the Norwegians decided to move hotels so close to such an important fixture.

The team had originally planned to stay at the Dalmar Hotel in Fort Lauderdale during their preparation for the England match. However, the national squad, which has already made history in this World Cup and is eager to continue its remarkable run, opted for a change of accommodation.

According to reports, the Norway team was dissatisfied with their initial lodgings. The Miami Herald first broke the story, followed by Norway’s TV2, which offered more details about the situation.

The Norwegian delegation reportedly contacted FIFA to arrange a relocation, citing excessive noise that had disrupted their stay. With FIFA’s support, the team moved to a new hotel.

The Dalmar Hotel was said to be located near ongoing construction work, which created a noisy environment. Given the magnitude of the upcoming quarter-final, the disruption was deemed unacceptable by the Norwegian camp.

Interestingly, TV2 also mentioned that the team’s decision was influenced by the hotel’s distance from the beach, as the players preferred a more peaceful and scenic environment for recovery and focus.

Norway’s World Cup logistics manager explained to the channel, “There were some things we would have liked to see differently, and we made a change.”

He added, “We’re going to be here for a week, and we’re already in Week 6 in the USA, preparing for the biggest game in the history of our time. So far, we’ve managed to avoid cabin fever, and we didn’t want any risk of it happening now.”

According to the logistics manager, FIFA covered the cost of the move, although the Norwegian Football Association also contributed financially to bridge the difference, as the new hotel—whose location remains undisclosed—was more expensive than the previous one.


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