England advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup, defeating Norway 2-1 with a standout performance from Jude Bellingham.
On July 12, in a quarterfinal match held at Miami Stadium in Florida, England overcame Norway after extra time. This marks England's return to the World Cup semifinals for the first time since the 2018 tournament in Russia.
Norway opened the scoring in the 36th minute when Patrick Berg intercepted a pass from Harry Kane in England's half. Andreas Schjelderup received the ball on the left flank and sent a shot that found the back of the net.
England equalized just before halftime. In the second minute of stoppage time, Bellingham received a pass from Anthony Gordon, cut into the penalty area from the left, and scored with a low right-footed shot.
Norway had a chance to regain the lead in the 56th minute when Torbjørn Heggem scored from a corner kick, but the goal was disallowed after a video review confirmed a foul by Erling Haaland in the buildup. Later, in the 76th minute, Kristoffer Ajer's header struck the crossbar.
After a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation, the match went into extra time. The decisive goal came in the third minute of the first extra period. Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nilsen failed to handle a long-range shot from Morgan Rogers, and Bellingham was quick to pounce on the loose ball, scoring the winner.
England held off Norway's attempts to equalize in the remaining time, securing a narrow victory. Haaland, who had scored seven goals in the tournament, was unable to find the net against England, marking the first time he did not score in a match during this World Cup.
Bellingham's two goals brought his tournament total to six, tying him with teammate Kane for the most goals by an English player. Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi lead the scoring chart with eight goals each.
Norway, making its first appearance in a World Cup quarterfinal, performed admirably against England but could not contain Bellingham.
England will face the winner of the quarterfinal match between Argentina and Switzerland in the semifinals, scheduled for 4 a.m. on July 16 at Atlanta Stadium.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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