The Norway football team relocated from The Dalmar Hotel in Fort Lauderdale to another hotel in Miami just days before their World Cup quarterfinal against England on July 12, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Players requested the move to secure a quieter, more focused environment for preparation ahead of what forward Erling Haaland called "the biggest match in our history" [2].
The Dalmar had problems from nearby construction noise, heavy traffic and noted hygiene issues, which disrupted the players’ rest and training environment [1, 2, 3, 4]. The team logistics manager, Truls Daehli, described the relocation as "brutal" but necessary, adding "we are satisfied with the new place and everyone is happy now." He emphasized the players themselves pushed strongly for the change and FIFA approved and helped facilitate the move, covering most costs including room and security expenses [2]. The Norwegian Football Association agreed to cover any additional expenses beyond FIFA’s support [3, 4].
The move was completed in about two and a half hours with aid from volunteers and staff, according to Daehli [1, 2, 3]. The change was publicly confirmed on July 11 ahead of Norway’s quarterfinal match against England at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium scheduled for July 12 at 05:00 Taipei time [1, 2, 3, 4].
Norway reached this stage after a 2-1 victory over Brazil in the Round of 16 on July 6, with Haaland scoring both goals [1, 2, 3, 4]. Haaland, who has scored 7 goals in the tournament so far, stressed the need for complete focus and readiness, saying the hotel move was "chaotic, but now, everyone is happy" [2]. Head coach Stale Solbakken dismissed rumors of a large illness outbreak at the original hotel, calling such reports exaggerated with only minor health issues affecting a few individuals [1].
Midfielder Martin Odegaard said, "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." [2]
The team spent only one night at The Dalmar before deciding to relocate within Miami’s area between July 8 and July 9 and completed the move on July 9 [1, 2, 3, 4]. They continue focused preparations for the historic quarterfinal, their best World Cup performance ever and first knockout stage win since 1998 [2, 3, 4].
