As Norway excels in its first World Cup appearance since 1998, a wave of false claims about the team's eating habits is also capturing online attention. These allegations specifically target the quality of American food, suggesting the Norwegians distrust it to such an extent that they brought provisions from home to avoid local fare.
The Norwegian team is currently based in Greensboro, North Carolina, throughout the 2026 tournament, which the U.S. is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico. While it is true the team shipped certain products from Norway for the World Cup, the underlying reason has absolutely nothing to do with concerns about food quality.
CLAIM: The Norwegian men's national soccer team brought its own food to the 2026 World Cup because it doesn't trust the quality of food in the U.S.
THE FACTS: This is false. The team brought some products from Norway to maintain consistency in players' diets and provide a taste of home, according to its head chef Aron Espeland. Other ingredients have been sourced locally. Nutrition experts say that such a practice is common among elite athletes who play internationally.
“When athletes are competing at the highest level, consistency is important,” Espeland said. “The players are used to certain products and flavors, and familiar foods can contribute both to nutrition and overall well-being during a demanding competition.”