​Norway have relocated from their team hotel in Miami after a run of disruptions ahead of their World Cup clash with England. Several players have been struck by a debilitating illness, and the squad also faced noise problems and significant logistical difficulties at The Dalmar, a five-star hotel in Fort Lauderdale. A nearby major construction site sits beside a heavily congested road, and it is understood that this was disrupt­ing the players during rest periods.
Captain Martin Ødegaard spoke after volunteers helped complete the move in two and a half hours, telling The Mirror US: “There were some things that could have been better, and we fixed them. We just want to optimize and prepare ourselves as best as possible for a crucial match.” The move comes as Norway’s game with England could be thrown into doubt by another alarming development.
Norway’s team logistics manager Truls Dæhli added: “It is brutal having to move, but we are satisfied with the new place, and everyone is happy now. Some people might fear this will affect the players, but it was the players who wanted this more than anyone. We have strong people in our support staff and managed to move in two and a half hours. The process of changing hotels isn’t ideal, but we wanted to act quickly. A good atmosphere is the most important thing.” He noted that the team would stay in Miami for a week, having already spent six weeks in the United States, and insisted they were focused on the biggest match in Norwegian history. “We have avoided cabin fever so far and don’t want any risk of it now. FIFA have acknowledged that we must relocate.”
Head coach Ståle Solbakken stood firmly behind his squad’s decision to leave The Dalmar, while downplaying reports of a widespread illness within the camp. He said, “There were a few things that weren’t right there. FIFA agreed with that and was very willing to help us. You would like to have a gathering and meeting room. In total, there were too many little issues. It’s not that you can’t live there, but we should be a unit and stay together.”
Solbakken addressed the illness chatter, insisting only one person had been affected—the team’s manual therapist Thomas Ødegaard. He added, “That story is greatly exaggerated. We have enough physiotherapists to handle it. I haven’t read much about it. Marcus Holmgren Pedersen was a little shaky before the last game, but is ready to train today.”
Meanwhile, Norway’s team doctor Ola Sand had previously sought better press coverage and clarified the situation, emphasizing that the illness was not as widespread as some reports suggested and that the medical staff were well equipped to manage any concerns. The team remains focused on preparing for the world’s fair test against England, with Solbakken and his players determined to maintain morale and unity as they navigate the logistical upheaval and continue their World Cup campaign.