Norway's national soccer team relocated from their Miami hotel after a single night, citing dissatisfaction with the facilities that they claimed were disrupting their World Cup preparations. The team moved from The Dalmar hotel in Fort Lauderdale to the beachfront Four Seasons hotel.
According to reports, players and management expressed concerns about factors including nearby construction work, a lack of a meeting room, and the distance to the beach. Captain Martin Odegaard stated that there were "some things that could have been better" and that the move was aimed at optimizing their preparation for an important match. Manager Stale Solbakken added that there were "a few things that weren't right there" and that FIFA had agreed to assist with the relocation.
"You would like to have a gathering and meeting room. In total, there were too many little things," Solbakken said. "It's not that you can't live there, but we should be a team, be together and a unit."
Players also reportedly expressed disappointment with the standard of cleanliness at the initial hotel. Concerns were also raised about the hotel's proximity to a busy road, which contributed to disturbances. Despite The Dalmar hotel being described as a five-star establishment with amenities like a swimming pool and spacious suites, the team deemed it unsuitable for their needs.
Norway's delegation manager, Truls Daehli, described the move as a "brutal effort" but confirmed that the team was happy with their new accommodations. While Norway initially covered the cost increase for the new hotel, FIFA has agreed to cover all hotel expenses and will reimburse the European nation later.
The hotel relocation comes amid other challenges for the team, including a sickness bug affecting some players. Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland confirmed reports of illness within the camp, noting that the team doctor has been busy. Several players, including Jorgen Strand Larsen and Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, have missed matches due to illness. Manager Solbakken has also been observed coughing, attributing such issues to common travel and environmental factors within a large traveling group.
The team has undergone significant travel since arriving in North America, playing matches in Boston, New Jersey, and Dallas. Their journey for the quarter-final match against England follows this extensive travel itinerary.