Norway striker Erling Braut Haaland (left) congratulates Jude Bellingham (center) after Bellingham scored England's second goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal between Norway and England at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Sunday. At right is Norway's Fredrik Aursnes. [AFP]
Norway striker Erling Braut Haaland (left) congratulates Jude Bellingham (center) after Bellingham scored England's second goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal between Norway and England at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Sunday. At right is Norway's Fredrik Aursnes. [AFP]

England, chasing a first World Cup title in 60 years, advanced to the semifinals Sunday after Jude Bellingham scored twice to down a Norway side anchored by Erling Haaland.

England defeated Norway 2-1 after 120 minutes of extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Sunday.

The victory sent England to the last four for the first time since the 2018 Russia tournament, keeping alive their bid for a second World Cup title — and first since 1966.

England will face the winner of the Argentina-Switzerland quarterfinal for a place in the final.

Norway, appearing in their first-ever World Cup quarterfinal, could not clear the English hurdle. Striker Erling Haaland failed to add to his tally, finishing the tournament with seven goals and ending his run in the top-scorers race.

England struggled to create chances against a Norway side that sat deep and looked to counter. It was not until the 29th minute that they managed their first shot — a Harry Kane free kick from just outside the right side of the penalty arc.

The deadlock was broken in the 36th minute by a Norwegian sucker punch. After dispossessing Kane near the halfway line, Norway worked the ball to Andreas Sjelderup, who drove into the left side of the penalty area and beat the England goalkeeper with a left-footed finish to give Norway the lead.

England hit back before the break. In the second minute of first-half stoppage time, Anthony Gordon drove down the left flank and delivered a cross that Bellingham collected near the penalty arc. He threaded his way between three Norwegian defenders, cut into the left side of the six-yard box and slotted home with a precise left-footed shot to equalize. Bellingham converted his first attempt of the match to register his fifth goal of the tournament.

Norway came agonizingly close to retaking the lead in the 76th minute, when David Møller Wolfe's header from a left-side corner kick struck the crossbar and bounced clear.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham (No. 10) runs past Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland (No. 1) after scoring his team's second goal during the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal between Norway and England at Miami Stadium in Miami, Florida, on Sunday. [AFP]
England midfielder Jude Bellingham (No. 10) runs past Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland (No. 1) after scoring his team's second goal during the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal between Norway and England at Miami Stadium in Miami, Florida, on Sunday. [AFP]

With the teams level at one goal apiece after 90 minutes, the match went to extra time. In the nerve-shredding additional period, England's clinical edge finally told — and again it was Bellingham who delivered.

Three minutes into the first period of extra time, Morgan Rogers unleashed a long-range effort from just outside the penalty arc that Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland parried into the six-yard box. Bellingham pounced on the rebound and finished with his right foot to put England ahead.

The second goal was Bellingham's sixth of the tournament, drawing him level with Kane in joint third place on the scoring charts, and it proved to be the winner.

Norway tried to force a comeback at the start of the second period of extra time, withdrawing a tiring Haaland in favor of Jørgen Strand Larsen, but they could not find the equalizer.


yjc@heraldcorp.com