{"id":1469,"date":"2026-07-10T03:53:02","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T03:53:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uscnews.org\/?p=1469"},"modified":"2026-07-10T03:53:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T03:53:02","slug":"fact-focus-norway-brought-its-own-food-to-the-world-cup-but-not-because-it-distrusts-us-products","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uscnews.org\/?p=1469","title":{"rendered":"FACT FOCUS: Norway brought its own food to the World Cup. But not because it distrusts US products"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/2b4cb7d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5705x3801+0+1\/resize\/980x653!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff2%2F3c%2F2a4abd367e779f2d295dcf48e381%2F20349498381e49b698736ad5f43c8902\" width=\"100%\" \/><small>Norwegian players Erling Haaland, left, Alexander Soerloth (7), Kristoffer Ajer (3) and teammates celebrate after defeating Senegal in a World Cup Group I soccer match in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo\/Yuki Iwamura)<\/small><\/p>\n<p>2026-06-24T19:45:43Z<\/p>\n<p>As Norway excels in its first <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/fifa-world-cup\">World Cup appearance<\/a><\/span> since 1998, false claims about what the team is eating are also grabbing attention online.<\/p>\n<p>The allegations focus on the quality of American food \u2014 more specifically, that the Norwegians distrust it so much that they brought food from home to avoid eating it. Norway\u2019s team is based in Greensboro, North Carolina, for the duration of the 2026 tournament, which is being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s true that the team shipped certain products from Norway for the World Cup, but the reason has nothing to do with concerns about quality. <\/p>\n<figure data-openoverlay>\n<p>    <a><\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Norway fans perform a rowing ritual prior to the World Cup Group I soccer match between Senegal and Norway in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo\/Yuki Iwamura)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b62586e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6817x4544+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F10%2F12%2Fe61c933a32046f4a4decbcf1362d%2F995817b7e047402ebc061ac5b29cdc2f\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><figcaption>\n<p>Norway fans perform a rowing ritual prior to the World Cup Group I soccer match between Senegal and Norway in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo\/Yuki Iwamura)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>            <button data-bsp-carousel-overlayclose><br \/>\n                <svg><\/svg><\/button><\/p>\n<p>                <br \/>\n            <\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Norway fans perform a rowing ritual prior to the World Cup Group I soccer match between Senegal and Norway in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo\/Yuki Iwamura)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b62586e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6817x4544+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F10%2F12%2Fe61c933a32046f4a4decbcf1362d%2F995817b7e047402ebc061ac5b29cdc2f\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<p>                            <button><br \/>\n                                <svg><\/svg><\/button><\/p>\n<p>                                <br \/>\n                            <\/p>\n<p>Norway fans perform a rowing ritual prior to the World Cup Group I soccer match between Senegal and Norway in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo\/Yuki Iwamura)<\/p>\n<p>&lt;!&#8211;            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=ap%20news\">&#8211;&gt;<br \/>\n            <button data-action-clicked=\"clickGooglePreferredSource\"><br \/>\n                Add AP News on Google <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 18\">\n                <path d=\"M2.33333 3.99999H0.666666V15.6667C0.666666 16.5833 1.41667 17.3333 2.33333 17.3333H14V15.6667H2.33333V3.99999ZM15.6667 0.666656H5.66667C4.75 0.666656 4 1.41666 4 2.33332V12.3333C4 13.25 4.75 14 5.66667 14H15.6667C16.5833 14 17.3333 13.25 17.3333 12.3333V2.33332C17.3333 1.41666 16.5833 0.666656 15.6667 0.666656ZM15.6667 12.3333H5.66667V2.33332H15.6667V12.3333ZM9.83333 10.6667H11.5V8.16666H14V6.49999H11.5V3.99999H9.83333V6.49999H7.33333V8.16666H9.83333V10.6667Z\" fill=\"#191919\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg><br \/>\n                <span><br \/>\n        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of 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The team brought some products from Norway to maintain consistency in players\u2019 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.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen athletes are competing at the highest level, consistency is important,\u201d Espeland said. \u201cThe players are used to certain products and flavors, and familiar foods can contribute both to nutrition and overall well-being during a demanding competition.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He continued: \u201cOverall, the experience of cooking for the team in the U.S. has been excellent. 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Many of the claims spreading online say the team brought in 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of food from Norway for the World Cup. Espeland confirmed that the amount is actually about 580 kilograms (1,276 pounds). That consists of 300 kilograms (660 pounds) of Norwegian salmon and trout, 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of halibut, 80 kilograms (176 pounds) of Norwegian brown cheese, and 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of Jarlsberg cheese.<\/p>\n<p>    <a><\/a><\/p>\n<p>    <!-- AP \"Read More\" embed (place mid-article) --><\/p>\n<p>  <button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><br \/>\n    Read More <span aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><br \/>\n  <\/button><\/p>\n<p>The team, whose <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fotball.no\/landslag\/norge-a-herrer\/vm-2026\/#296741\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">support staff<\/a><\/span> includes three chefs, did not bring oranges from Norway, despite social media posts claiming otherwise. Espeland said that players are served freshly squeezed orange juice every morning, made from oranges sourced locally in the U.S.<\/p>\n<p>    <a><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Plenty of other teams travel with their own chef and have taken their own food to past World Cups. For example, Argentina and Uruguay <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/soccer\/story\/_\/id\/37633968\/argentina-uruguay-take-4000-pounds-meat-world-cup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">each brought<\/a><\/span> thousands of pounds of meat to Qatar in 2022. The <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/general-news-bd766e5f08774cc18a36160d78902974\">U.S. squad traveled to Brazil in 2014<\/a><\/span> with oatmeal, Cheerios, peanut butter and A1 Steak Sauce.<\/p>\n<p>Such practices are not unusual for elite athletes who compete in different countries, according to experts. The reasons include maintaining routine and consistency, reducing risk of adverse reactions, providing cultural familiarity and accommodating personal preferences.<\/p>\n<figure data-openoverlay>\n<p>    <a><\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Norway's players pose before the World Cup Group I soccer match between Iraq and Norway in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo\/Charles Krupa)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/188b887\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5129x3419+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F2f%2F20%2F058cdf2bfadea94411c2e943be4b%2F9e21cb15143b42ff8f17a5212615bccc\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><figcaption>\n<p>Norway\u2019s players pose before the World Cup Group I soccer match between Iraq and Norway in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo\/Charles Krupa)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>            <button data-bsp-carousel-overlayclose><br \/>\n                <svg><\/svg><\/button><\/p>\n<p>                <br \/>\n            <\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Norway's players pose before the World Cup Group I soccer match between Iraq and Norway in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo\/Charles Krupa)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/188b887\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5129x3419+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F2f%2F20%2F058cdf2bfadea94411c2e943be4b%2F9e21cb15143b42ff8f17a5212615bccc\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<p>                            <button><br \/>\n                                <svg><\/svg><\/button><\/p>\n<p>                                <br \/>\n                            <\/p>\n<p>Norway\u2019s players pose before the World Cup Group I soccer match between Iraq and Norway in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo\/Charles Krupa)<\/p>\n<p>&lt;!&#8211;            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=ap%20news\">&#8211;&gt;<br \/>\n            <button data-action-clicked=\"clickGooglePreferredSource\"><br \/>\n                Add AP News on Google <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 18\">\n                <path d=\"M2.33333 3.99999H0.666666V15.6667C0.666666 16.5833 1.41667 17.3333 2.33333 17.3333H14V15.6667H2.33333V3.99999ZM15.6667 0.666656H5.66667C4.75 0.666656 4 1.41666 4 2.33332V12.3333C4 13.25 4.75 14 5.66667 14H15.6667C16.5833 14 17.3333 13.25 17.3333 12.3333V2.33332C17.3333 1.41666 16.5833 0.666656 15.6667 0.666656ZM15.6667 12.3333H5.66667V2.33332H15.6667V12.3333ZM9.83333 10.6667H11.5V8.16666H14V6.49999H11.5V3.99999H9.83333V6.49999H7.33333V8.16666H9.83333V10.6667Z\" fill=\"#191919\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg><br \/>\n                <span><br \/>\n        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more 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Feresin, an associate professor of nutrition at Georgia State University. \u201cThe goal is not to evaluate local food quality; it is to eliminate unnecessary variability during competition. Bringing a chef and familiar ingredients to a major tournament is standard, performance-driven logistics.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Amy Goodson, a sports dietitian who has worked with professional teams including the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers, explained that bringing food to international competitions is more about \u201ccontrol, consistency, and performance\u201d rather than distrust.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNutrition is a performance variable at the World Cup level,\u201d she said. \u201cThese athletes train, travel, and compete with elite intensity, often multiple times in a short window, while managing weather and time zone changes. What they eat directly impacts energy availability, hydration status, recovery, immune function, and even decision-making on the field. When margins are razor thin, fueling consistency becomes critical.\u201d ___<\/p>\n<p>Find AP Fact Checks here: <span><a data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/APFactCheck\">https:\/\/apnews.com\/APFactCheck<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>        <a href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/author\/melissa-goldin\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"MELISSA GOLDIN\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/e3ae733\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/550x550+0+47\/resize\/100x100!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F22%2Fde%2F2d4a5bc24ada8b66c3194f1a6395%2Fprofile-melissa-goldin.PNG\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<p>        <\/p>\n<p>                <a href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/author\/melissa-goldin\">MELISSA GOLDIN<\/a><\/p>\n<p>                Goldin debunks, analyzes and tracks misinformation for The Associated Press. She is based in New York.<\/p>\n<p>                        <a rel=\"noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/melissa_goldin\" target=\"_blank\" data-social-service=\"twitter\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>        <svg><\/svg><\/p>\n<p>        <\/p>\n<p>    <span><br \/>\n        twitter<br \/>\n    <\/span><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p>                        <a rel=\"noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#b8d5dfd7d4dcd1d6f8d9c896d7cadf\" target=\"_blank\" data-social-service=\"mailto\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>        <svg><\/svg><\/p>\n<p>        <\/p>\n<p>    <span><br \/>\n        mailto<br \/>\n    <\/span><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p>                <a rel=\"noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/melissagoldin.bsky.social\" target=\"_blank\" data-social-service=\"Bluesky\"><\/a><\/p>\n<figure>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"28\" height=\"25\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/e68338f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/400x356+0+0\/resize\/28x25!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F23%2Fd6%2F24be7e05491da439aed7d88df1a3%2Fbluesky-logo-white-copy.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>                <a rel=\"noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/goldinmelissa\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-social-service=\"LinkedIn\"><\/a><\/p>\n<figure>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/bb1d009\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/300x300+0+0\/resize\/28x28!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fe0%2F70%2Fc8f1d6af439b97449fe815ed6d46%2Flinked-in-logo-black-96-2x.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Norwegian players Erling Haaland, left, Alexander Soerloth (7), Kristoffer Ajer (3) and teammates celebrate after defeating Senegal in a World Cup Group I soccer match in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo\/Yuki Iwamura) 2026-06-24T19:45:43Z As Norway excels in its first World Cup appearance since 1998, false claims about what&hellip;&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","neve_meta_reading_time":"","_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1469","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/uscnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1469","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/uscnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/uscnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uscnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uscnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1469"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/uscnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1469\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/uscnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1469"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uscnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1469"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uscnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}