England beats Norway 2‑1 in World Cup quarter‑final

England advanced to the semi‑finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Norway 2‑1 after extra time at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Norway opened the scoring in the 36th minute through Andreas Schjelderup, but Jude Bellingham equalised in first‑half stoppage time and scored the winner early in extra time.

Norwegian coach Ståle Solbakken praised his squad’s historic run – Norway’s first quarter‑final appearance since 1998 – and said the team “lived up to the hype.” He explained the late substitution of Erling Haaland, noting the striker was exhausted and had a minor thigh injury, and admitted the decision might have been made earlier.

The match sparked controversy when Norway claimed a ball had struck the overhead camera cable before England’s first goal. FIFA’s sensor‑embedded “Connected Ball” showed no anomaly, and the governing body denied any evidence of interference.

After the loss, Haaland’s father Alf‑Inge Haaland condemned the refereeing, claiming Norway had been robbed, while Haaland himself described the tournament as a life‑changing experience, having scored seven goals in five games.

England’s manager Thomas Tuchel highlighted his side’s refusal to lose and praised Bellingham’s performance, while the victory sets up a semi‑final against Argentina.