2026 World Cup: This is the reason Norway moved hotels, and it is not due to a disease outbreak.

Norway's national football team preparations for their 2026 World Cup quarter-final match against England have been marked by a surprise decision. Days before the fixture, Stale Solbakken's squad opted to leave their original hotel and relocate to new accommodation in order to maintain player comfort.

Norway had previously been based at The Dalmar, but made the decision to move ahead of their clash with England at the Miami Stadium in Florida, United States.

This decision was not made without cause. Players were reportedly unable to get optimal rest due to conditions around the hotel. Heavy traffic and active construction works adjacent to the property were disrupting the team's focus.

Truls Daehli, Norway national team logistics manager, revealed that the request to relocate actually came from the players themselves, who found the environment at the previous hotel unsuitable.

"It was certainly not easy to move hotels mid-preparation. But we are very satisfied with the new location, and everyone is far more comfortable now. Some might assume this relocation would disrupt the players, but in reality it was they who pushed hardest for this move," stated Truls Daehli, as quoted by the Mirror.

Daehli added that the relocation process ran smoothly after FIFA approved Norway's official request. The global football governing body understood the team's priority to ensure their players were in the best possible condition ahead of the high-stakes quarter-final.

Head coach Stale Solbakken also gave full backing to the decision. He confirmed there were multiple unresolved issues at the original hotel which left the team with no choice but to seek more suitable accommodation.

"There were a number of unsatisfactory conditions at the previous hotel. FIFA recognised the situation and immediately offered their support to facilitate the move," Solbakken explained.

Solbakken also outright denied rumours that the hotel relocation was triggered by an illness outbreak within the Norway squad, confirming such reports did not reflect the actual circumstances.

"That story is heavily exaggerated. We have sufficient physiotherapy and medical staff to manage any situation. Marcus Holmgren Pedersen did feel unwell briefly ahead of our last match, but he is fully fit and returned to training today," he stated.

According to Solbakken, only one member of the backroom team experienced minor health issues. All registered players remain in good condition and are continuing normal preparations for the match against England.

Norway team doctor Ola Sand confirmed this account, stating there are no outstanding health concerns ahead of the fixture.

"Every player is currently in full health. Across almost six weeks living and training together, we have encountered no significant issues within the squad. It is quite remarkable to see British media circulating those rumours, when we have handled everything perfectly well here," Sand said.

The upcoming match against England is expected to be a fiercely contested fixture. Norway will take the pitch with high confidence after eliminating Brazil from the tournament, while England will enter the game with clear ambition to secure their place in the World Cup semi-finals.