Miami Stadium,July 2026 –Jude Bellingham struck twice as England came from behind to beat Norway in extra time and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ semi-finals.
The Real Madrid midfielder cancelled out Andreas Schjelderup’s opener late in the first half, before completing his brace in extra time to send Thomas Tuchel’s side through.
After a tentative start at Miami Stadium, Norway seized the initiative. Erling Haaland’s header straight at Jordan Pickford was a warning England didn’t heed, as Schjelderup swept a cross-shot in off the inside of the far post to give the Nordics a 36th-minute lead.
The Three Lions weathered a wave of pressure before levelling in first-half stoppage time (45+2) through Bellingham’s driving run and cool finish. Harry Kane had the ball in the net moments later, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Torbjorn Heggem thought he had restored Norway’s lead just before the hour mark, only for VAR to intervene and chalk off the effort for Haaland’s push on Elliot Anderson following a corner.
Tuchel’s men survived another scare when Kristoffer Ajer headed against the crossbar, while Djed Spence almost capitalised on Nyland’s hurried clearance as a tense contest went to extra time.
Bellingham delivered the winner(93), reacting quickest from close range after Nyland spilled substitute Morgan Rogers’ fierce strike to bring Norway’s memorable World Cup run to an end.
England will face either defending champions Argentina or surprise package Switzerland in the semi-finals at Atlanta Stadium on 15 July.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are on six goals apiece at World Cup 2026. It is the first time two England players have scored at least five times at a single edition of the tournament.
Jordan Pickford made history by becoming England’s most-capped goalkeeper at World Cups, with his 18th tournament appearance surpassing Peter Shilton’s record. Norway were playing in their first World Cup quarter-final, following last-16 runs in 1938 and 1998, and a group-stage exit at USA 1994.
“Character, perseverance [got us through]; even when things weren’t working, we gave everything we got. I’m so proud of the team. It was a victory for everyone. The whole country wins – everyone behind us, the staff,” said Bellingham.
Haŕry Kane, England captain: “It was a fairly even game in terms of possession and chances but when you’ve got someone like Jude [Bellingham] who can change the game for us like he did again today, that’s obviously a big factor. It’s the boys’ heart and desire that got us over the line.”
On his part, Thomas Tuchel, England tactician said that: “We made life very, very difficult for ourselves today. The result is fantastic – we’re in the last four – but I’m not happy with the performance. We got lucky today. We need to play better.” (FIFA)
