Jude Bellingham scored twice as England came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 after extra time and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals.
Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway the lead in the 36th minute after being set up by Martin Ødegaard, but Bellingham equalised in first-half stoppage time from Anthony Gordon’s assist.
With the match still level after 90 minutes, Bellingham struck again in the 93rd minute to complete the turnaround at Miami Stadium. England then survived Norway’s late pressure and a VAR penalty review before closing out a tense quarter-final victory.
The result keeps England’s World Cup campaign alive after a match in which Norway repeatedly tested their composure, defensive organisation and ability to respond under pressure.
Norway Strike First in a Competitive Opening Half
England saw more of the ball early on, but Norway looked comfortable without possession and carried a clear threat whenever they moved forward.
Harry Kane fired wide in the 29th minute, while Erling Haaland had a header cleared as Norway began to impose themselves in England’s defensive third.
The opening goal arrived in the 36th minute.
Ødegaard created the opportunity and Schjelderup supplied the finish, putting Norway 1-0 ahead and rewarding their growing confidence.
The goal briefly shifted control of the contest. Alexander Sørloth went close to extending the advantage, while Ødegaard also forced England to defend carefully as Norway attacked with greater belief.
England needed a response before halftime and found one deep into stoppage time.
Gordon supplied the assist, and Bellingham finished in the 47th minute to level the score at 1-1. The timing was crucial, denying Norway the chance to carry their lead into the interval and giving England renewed momentum.
England Make Changes as Norway Threaten Again
Thomas Tuchel reacted at halftime by introducing Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze for Noni Madueke and Declan Rice.
The changes gave England more attacking options, but Norway remained dangerous. Haaland had a header cleared in the 53rd minute before a Norwegian goal was ruled out following a VAR review four minutes later.
That decision became one of the key moments of the second half. Norway had threatened to regain the lead, but the match remained level and England were given another opportunity to take control.
Both managers continued to use their benches. Norway introduced Fredrik Aursnes, Oscar Bobb and Antonio Nusa, while England later added Reece James, Djed Spence and Morgan Rogers.
Norway continued to generate pressure through set pieces and wide attacks. Haaland missed in the 76th minute, while Kristoffer Ajer also headed off target from a corner.
Nusa nearly delivered a late winner in the 85th minute, but Jordan Pickford saved his effort.
England also created chances during the closing stages, yet neither side found the decisive goal. Bellingham headed wide in stoppage time as the quarter-final moved into extra time.
Bellingham Delivers Again in Extra Time
England needed only three minutes of extra time to complete the comeback.
Morgan Rogers had an effort saved and Kane saw a header cleared during a fast England attack. Bellingham then found the breakthrough, scoring in the 93rd minute to give the Three Lions a 2-1 lead.
It was another decisive intervention from the midfielder, whose first goal had rescued England before halftime and whose second placed them within reach of the semi-finals.
Norway responded by pushing forward and looking for another equaliser. Antonio Nusa headed wide from a corner, while England had to defend a series of throws and set pieces around their penalty area.
A VAR review in the 102nd minute briefly raised the possibility of an England penalty, but the officials decided no spot kick should be awarded.
Bellingham remained involved throughout the first period of extra time and sent another effort wide shortly before the interval.
England Hold Firm Under Late Pressure
Norway made an attacking change at the start of the second period of extra time, replacing Haaland with Jørgen Strand Larsen.
England continued to create opportunities on the counterattack. Saka had multiple efforts saved, while Spence also tested the Norwegian defence.
Tuchel then withdrew Bellingham in the 111th minute, replacing the match-winner with defender Dan Burn as England focused on protecting their lead.
Norway refused to surrender. Bobb and Nusa both missed attempts in the 114th minute, and the pressure increased when Ajer won a dangerous free kick late on.
Ajer was booked in the 117th minute during an incident that also left Pickford needing treatment. The England goalkeeper recovered, and his side negotiated the final minutes without conceding.
When referee Clément Turpin ended the match, England had completed a difficult comeback and secured their place in the last four.
Key moments of the game
Bellingham Decides the Quarter-final
Bellingham was England’s match-winner at both ends of a long and demanding contest.
His first goal arrived at the perfect time, cancelling out Norway’s lead just before halftime. His second came almost immediately after extra time began, allowing England to defend an advantage rather than chase the game.
Norway Made England Work for Everything
The final result does not diminish Norway’s performance.
They took the lead, had a second-half goal ruled out after a VAR review and continued creating chances deep into extra time. Their seven corners and 13 attempts show that England were never allowed to settle comfortably.
Tuchel’s Changes Added Attacking Energy
The halftime introductions of Saka and Eze gave England more movement in advanced areas, while Rogers played a role in the attack that led to Bellingham’s second goal.
Later changes helped England manage the closing stages, with Burn introduced as Tuchel shifted his attention towards protecting the lead.
What the Result Means
England advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after overcoming an early deficit and surviving 120 minutes of pressure in Miami.
Norway are eliminated after a strong quarter-final performance in which they came close to taking one of the tournament favourites beyond extra time.
For England, the victory provides another example of their ability to recover from difficult situations. They were forced to respond after falling behind, remained patient when Norway threatened and relied on Bellingham to deliver the decisive moments.
Norway vs England Preview: Three Lions Aim to End Haaland’s Dream Run in FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals
England and Norway meet in a fascinating FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final on Sunday, with a place in the last four at stake after both sides knocked out heavyweight opponents in the Round of 16.
England survived a thrilling battle against Mexico, while Norway arrive full of confidence after eliminating five-time champions Brazil thanks to another outstanding display from Erling Haaland.
Road to the Quarter-finals
Norway produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by defeating Brazil 2-1.
Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages before Neymar’s late penalty proved only a consolation. Norway’s disciplined defending and clinical finishing demonstrated they can compete with football’s elite.
England also faced a stern examination, edging Mexico 3-2 despite playing more than half the second half with ten men following Jarell Quansah’s red card.
Jude Bellingham’s first-half brace and Harry Kane’s penalty ultimately proved enough to send the Three Lions through.
Spotlight: Haaland vs England’s Defence
Few players have been as decisive as Erling Haaland during the knockout stage.
The Manchester City striker punished Brazil with two late goals and will once again be Norway’s biggest attacking threat.
England, however, boast experienced defenders capable of limiting his influence, although they will need to remain disciplined after their defensive lapses against Mexico.
England’s Midfield Advantage
Jude Bellingham has emerged as England’s driving force.
His ability to arrive in the box, dictate the tempo and contribute goals gives England an edge in midfield, while Harry Kane continues to provide leadership and clinical finishing.
If England can dominate possession, they may prevent Norway from creating the transitions that proved so effective against Brazil.
Key Players
Norway
- Erling Haaland
- Martin Ødegaard
- Andreas Schjelderup
- Patrick Berg
England
- Jude Bellingham
- Harry Kane
- Bukayo Saka
- Declan Rice
Team News
Norway enter the match with momentum after an impressive tactical display against Brazil.
England will be monitoring their defensive options following Jarell Quansah’s suspension after his red card in the Round of 16.
Match Prediction
England begin as favourites, but Norway have already shown they can defeat one of the tournament favourites.
If Haaland receives quality service from Ødegaard and Schjelderup, Norway have every chance of causing another upset.
England’s greater squad depth and experience in major tournaments may ultimately prove decisive, but this promises to be one of the most evenly contested quarter-finals.
Prediction: Norway 1-2 England
