England reaches World Cup semi‑finals as Bellingham scores twice
England defeated Norway 2‑1 after extra time in the quarter‑final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, securing a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi‑finals. Jude Bellingham was the decisive factor, netting the equaliser in first‑half stoppage time and the winner three minutes into extra time. The win sets up a semi‑final clash with the victor of Argentina‑Switzerland in Atlanta.
England coach Thomas Tuchel praised Bellingham as “world‑class” but criticised his side’s overall performance, noting technical mistakes and a lack of speed. Norway lodged a protest over the first English goal, claiming the ball had struck a spider‑cam cable, but FIFA released data from the ball’s internal sensor showing no peak that would indicate a contact, and the goal was upheld. A second Norwegian goal was also ruled out after VAR identified a foul by Erling Haaland on Elliot Anderson in the build‑up.
The match featured intense heat, a minute’s silence for the late South African midfielder Jayden Adams, and marked England’s fourth quarter‑final appearance in recent major tournaments, their first semi‑final since 2018.