Salmon, Haaland, and Norway's diet fuel World Cup run

Norway's national football team is celebrating a historic moment, reaching the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup for the first time in their history. Their unprecedented success on the global stage is partly attributed to a unique dietary strategy: a consistent supply of 300 kilograms of salmon and other Norwegian fish, specially brought from their home country.

The team traveled to the United States last month with a substantial shipment of 580 kilograms of Norwegian food, including local cheeses alongside the fish and seafood. Initially, this supply was calculated to cover the group stage and potentially one knockout match. However, following victories against Costa de Marfil and Brazil in the round of 16 and quarterfinals respectively, the team's chefs had to place a new order to sustain the entire delegation.

Norway boasts one of the highest per capita fish consumption rates globally, with its salmon being internationally renowned for its quality. The team's chefs, Aron Espeland, Christian Karlsson, and Eirik Tufte, are responsible for feeding the 70-person delegation, including players, coaching staff, and executives, up to four times daily. This logistical challenge is compounded by the team's continuous travel across six different cities in just 30 days, requiring strict adherence to the cold chain for the perishable products.

The team's star player, Erling Haaland, has been an ambassador for the Norwegian Seafood Council since 2024. He has spoken about the integral role seafood has played in his life since childhood. "Seafood has been a part of my upbringing and my diet since I was a child. Norwegian fish and seafood, which are the best in the world, continue to hold a natural place in my life," Haaland stated in a release from the Norwegian government's public entity. Haaland, who extended his partnership with the council until autumn 2028, is seen as a key figure in promoting Norwegian seafood.