Miami Gardens, 11 July 2026. The Hard Rock Stadium hosted the first-ever World Cup meeting between England and Norway — and it took extra time to separate the sides. England won 2-1, with both goals scored by Jude Bellingham. Norway, appearing at a World Cup for the first time since 1998, were eliminated despite a spirited display.
Schjelderup puts Norway ahead
The match started evenly, but in the 36th minute Norway struck. Andreas Rædergård Schjelderup collected a pass from Martin Ødegaard and let fly — the ball cannoned off the right post and into the net. Norway led 1-0. For the Benfica forward, it was his first World Cup goal on only his second tournament appearance. He had previously set up both of Erling Haaland's goals in the round of 16 against Brazil, playing a pivotal role in what had been the greatest result in Norwegian World Cup history. Norway went into half-time with a deserved lead.
Bellingham turns the game around
England equalised before the interval, although the goal came in controversial circumstances. In first-half stoppage time, a long goal kick from Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland appeared to strike one of the cables supporting the Spidercam above the pitch, seemingly altering the ball’s trajectory. It dropped into England’s possession, and only a few passes later Jude Bellingham finished the move to make it 1–1. Norway’s coaching staff protested furiously, as contact with the camera cable should have resulted in play being stopped and restarted with a dropped ball. FIFA, however, stated that the sensor inside the match ball had registered no such contact, and the goal was allowed to stand.
The match remained open. Norway continued to threaten while England pressed for a winner. The decisive moment came in stoppage time: in the 93rd minute, Bellingham was perfectly placed to tap home after a shot could not be held — 2-1. It was his seventh goal of the tournament, drawing him level with Harry Kane in the top scorers' chart and leaving him just one goal behind leader Haaland. The final score: 1-2 to England.
Bellingham sets a historic landmark
The brace against Norway further underlined Bellingham's outstanding contribution to this tournament. The Real Madrid star set yet another record at World Cup 2026, becoming the youngest player to earn 50 caps for England, surpassing the previous mark set by Wayne Rooney. Norway battled to the very end of extra time — Kristoffer Ajer picked up a yellow card in the 117th minute — and ultimately bowed out in unfortunate circumstances.
England reach the World Cup semi-final for the third time
With this 2-1 victory after extra time, England reach the World Cup semi-final for the third time in their history, following their title triumph in 1966 and their run to the last four in 2018. For Norway, a remarkable return to the world stage comes to an end: four wins and one defeat across their final five matches showed the quality of their tournament run, but they were ultimately undone by the individual brilliance of Bellingham. England, equally in fine form with four wins and one draw from their last five games, now await their semi-final opponents.
