False claims that Norway imported food for the FIFA World Cup because it distrusted the quality of American produce have been rejected by the team’s support staff, as social media speculation continues to circulate during the tournament.
The claims centred on Norway’s decision to ship seafood and dairy products to its training base in North Carolina, with some posts alleging the team had imported around 1,000kg of food (including 300kg of salmon and trout) because it considered US produce unsafe.
However, team chef Aron Espeland said the shipment was intended to maintain consistency in players’ diets and provide familiar foods during the competition, rather than avoid locally sourced ingredients.
“We have had access to high-quality local ingredients, and our approach has been to combine those with a selection of Norwegian products that help create continuity and a sense of home for the players during the tournament,” Espeland said.
He also said the team imported about 580kg of food, not the 1,000kg claimed online, and denied reports that oranges had been brought from Norway, saying they were sourced in the United States.
Sports nutrition specialists told the Associated Press that travelling with chefs and selected food products is standard practice for elite teams competing internationally, helping to maintain established routines and minimise changes to athletes’ diets.
Norway previously confirmed it had shipped salmon, trout, halibut and cheese to its World Cup base.