FIFA World Cup team ships food thousands of miles to avoid eating American cuisine

[Celerity]

Norway shipped more than 2,200 pounds of food to the United States as the World Cup newcomers prepare to avoid dietary surprises or changes before their opener against Iraq on Tuesday

https://www.themirror.com/sport/soccer/norway-food-shipment-world-cup-1885558



Most people might bring an extra suitcase for a long trip or sneak a favorite drink into a movie, but Norway took it a step further by shipping enough groceries to supply a small store for the FIFA World Cup. With Norway set for its first World Cup appearance in North America in 27 years, team officials have made sure players will eat the same foods they are used to back home during their stay in the United States.



Norway shipped about 2,200 pounds of food across the Atlantic, timing the delivery to coincide with the team's landing at the UNCG Soccer Stadium at the University of North Carolina. Meanwhile, a World Cup conspiracy theory quickly raged in the very first United States game. The cargo contained 661 pounds of pristine salmon and whitefish, 255 pounds of Norway’s caramelized national treasure, brunost, and 6,000 oranges.



In reality, the decision is practical. Coaches, nutritionists, and medical staff view sudden dietary changes as a real risk during major tournaments. Norway is also preparing players for the heat and humidity expected in North America. Many World Cup host cities now use hydration breaks, as seen during the Qatar versus Switzerland match that was interrupted by a music concert.



Three of Norway's top chefs, including Aron Espeland, will prepare four meals a day for the squad and staff, serving more than 60 people. The menus focus on familiar ingredients and dishes the players have grown up with. During the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, Norway made international headlines after a translation error led officials to accidentally order 15,000 eggs instead of 1,500.

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