![\"Norway's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2284768141.jpg\" "\\"Norway's")
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Norway’s forward #09 Erling Braut Haaland takes part in a training session at the Inter Miami CF Training Facility in Fort Lauderdale on July 9, 2026, during the 2026 World Cup football tournament. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA \/ AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA<\/p>\n
AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n
Norway superstar Erling Haaland deservedly has made headlines and gone viral on social media at this World Cup after scoring seven goals in four games heading into Saturday\u2019s quarterfinal against England at Hard Rock Stadium.<\/p>\n
But there is another member of the Norwegian delegation that has flown largely under the radar and is worthy of mention as he has provided a massive assist in leading Norway in its first World Cup in 28 years.<\/p>\n
Team chef Aron Espeland, leaving nothing to chance, had 1,276 pounds of food shipped from Norway to the team\u2019s base camp in Greensboro, North Carolina, for the six weeks they are in the United States, including 660 pounds of Norwegian salmon and trout, 220 pounds of halibut, 176 pounds of Norwegian brown cheese, and 220 pounds of Jarlsberg cheese.<\/p>\n
He stressed that it is not lack of confidence in the quality of food in the United States, but rather, wanted Norway\u2019s players to eat food with which they are accustomed.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople often ask why we brought salmon from Norway all the way to the United States. It was about consistency,\u201d Espeland said. \u201cOur players know the quality, taste and versatility of the product and that familiarity allows us to prepare meals with confidence every day. At this level, every meal has a purpose, and salmon from Norway is an important part of helping our players prepare, perform and recover.\u201d<\/p>\n
Norwegian salmon primarily refers to farm-raised Atlantic salmon originating from the cold, clear fjords and coastal waters of Norway. As the world\u2019s largest producer, Norway\u2019s salmon and other seafood has been branded and marketed worldwide as \u201cSeafood from Norway.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSalmon from Norway appears on our menu throughout the tournament because it\u2019s an ingredient that fits naturally into a performance-focused kitchen,\u201d Espeland said. \u201cWhether we\u2019re preparing a pre-match dinner or a recovery meal, it allows us to serve dishes the players look forward to eating while they\u2019re away from home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ahead of Saturday\u2019s quarterfinal against England, the Norwegian Seafood Council plans to have a giant aerial banner featuring Haaland flying over Miami Beach. The message on the banner will read: \u201cI choose salmon from Norway. Eat the best. Be your best\u201d.<\/p>\n
Norway supporters and beachgoers are invited to gather beneath the banner at 10 a.m. at the 12th Street Lifeguard Tower and participate in Norway\u2019s signature viral Viking Row.<\/a><\/p>\n The Norwegian Seafood Council has had a partnership agreement with Haaland and Norway\u2019s women\u2019s and men\u2019s national teams since 2024<\/p>\n Karine R\u00f8d Haraldsson, USA Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, said: \u201cTo encourage meat-loving Americans to replace some of their protein with seafood, preferably Norwegian seafood, Haaland is a fantastic ambassador for us. He is a superstar and has fronted several of our campaigns in the United States. By letting his image soar over Miami, we are quite literally taking our partnership to new heights.\u201d<\/p>\n Related Stories from Miami Herald<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/MIA_2024-07-10AD0140NorwayRowing.JPG\" "\\"MIA_2024-07-10AD0140NorwayRowing.JPG\\"")
A day before the match against England, Norway fans amp it up as they perform their row chant and celebrate on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, Florida, on Friday, July 10, 2026. PHOTOGRAPH BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com <\/p>\n