2026 FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final: England vs. Norway
The excitement is building as the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its final stages. One of the highlights was Saturday’s quarter-final matchup between England and Norway.
England is always a team to keep an eye on, especially with standouts like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. However, Norway emerged as a bit of a surprise contender.
This is, in part, due to the influence of Erling Haaland, who has quickly gained popularity in the United States. It seems the feeling is quite mutual.
With such star power on the field, fans anticipated a thrilling encounter. Yet, the first 20 minutes served more as a warm-up, with neither team managing any significant scoring threats.
In the 28th minute, England received a free kick that Kane shot over the Norwegian wall, but it sailed over the crossbar.
Norway managed to score first in the 46th minute, with a fantastic goal from 22-year-old Andreas Schjelderup—but their lead was short-lived.
Just before halftime, Jude Bellingham, who had already made headlines with his previous performances, equalized for England with his fifth goal in six World Cup matches. There was a moment when it seemed Kane had put England ahead, but that joy was cut short when the goal was ruled offside.
The second half featured an exchange of scoring chances from both sides, leading to a tense moment when England’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, had to deflect a powerful Norwegian shot over the bar.
Norway had another chance that was called back due to a foul on Haaland, followed by a corner kick that England managed to defend successfully. However, as the match progressed, the tension increased. Norway nearly brought home another goal late in the second half, but England was saved by the ball striking the crossbar.
As both teams headed into extra time, England built on their momentum. In the 93rd minute, Bellingham scored again, granting England its first lead of the game.
With this victory, England will now move forward to face the winner of the match between Argentina and Switzerland, continuing their quest for a first World Cup title since 1966.
