FLORIDA July 11, 2026 – England booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in the quarter-finals at Hard Rock Stadium.
Jude Bellingham was the hero once again, scoring both goals for the Three Lions — including the winner in extra time — to secure a semi-final clash against the winner of Argentina vs Switzerland.
Norway took the lead in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup finished smartly, assisted by Martin Ødegaard. England responded before half-time when Bellingham equalised in stoppage time.
The game went to extra time, where Bellingham struck again just three minutes in, finishing a rebound off Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland to seal the victory.
The result sends England through to the last four for the second time in three World Cups.
The match was not without drama. Replays showed that before Bellingham’s first-half equaliser, a goal kick from Norway’s Ørjan Nyland appeared to strike an overhead camera cable (sky cam wire), causing the ball to drop sharply and allowing England to regain possession and launch the counter-attack.
Norway players and staff protested vigorously, arguing play should have been stopped. Officials and VAR did not intervene. FIFA reportedly stated the ball did not touch the wire, though footage suggested otherwise. A separate Norway goal was also disallowed by VAR after a foul by Erling Haaland.
Bellingham’s double takes his tally to impressive heights in the tournament and underscores his status as one of the standout players of the 2026 World Cup. His clinical finishing and leadership proved decisive in a tense encounter against a resilient Norway side featuring Haaland.
England will face the winner of Argentina vs Switzerland in the semi-finals on Wednesday. The Three Lions, under their current management, have shown resilience and quality to reach this stage.
The official FIFA World Cup account celebrated the achievement with a simple post: “The Three Lions claim their spot in the Semi-finals 🏴 #FIFAWorldCup”
England fans will be hoping the momentum carries them all the way to the final in this expanded 48-team tournament.
Key Stats
- Final Score: England 2-1 Norway (a.e.t.)
- Goals: Schjelderup (NOR 36′), Bellingham (ENG ~45+), Bellingham (ENG ET ~93′)
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
England are one win away from a place in the World Cup final.
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