Haaland and Ødegaard under heavy security as Norway's World Cup begins

Security ramped up for opening night

Norway kicks off its World Cup campaign Thursday under heightened security. Protection around Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, and the rest of the squad has been stepped up significantly for the opener, which will play out in front of thousands of American fans. Bomb searches are part of the security operation, with authorities taking no chances around the star players. (1)

Braut: the name Haaland carries for Norway

You have probably noticed Erling Haaland wears "Braut Haaland" on his Norway shirt, not the "Haaland" you see at Manchester City. The Braut name comes from his mother, Gry Marita Braut, and Haaland has chosen to honor his maternal family line when representing the national team at this World Cup. It is a deliberate cultural and family statement, not a registration quirk. (2)

Norway's World Cup shopping list: fish, cheese, and 6,000 oranges

Norway arrived at the World Cup with 300 kilograms of red fish, 116 kilograms of cheese, and 6,000 oranges. The national team travels with its own food supplies to maintain nutritional control throughout the tournament, a logistical detail that underlines how seriously Solbakken's staff takes preparation off the pitch. (3)