Bellingham and Kane Make History as England Beats Norway in World Cup Clash

In a thrilling World Cup 2026 match held in Mexico, England defeated Norway 3-2 to secure the third of four semifinal spots. The game saw a dramatic equalizer by Jude Bellingham in first-half stoppage time, following an early stunning goal by Norway's Andreas Schjelderup. Bellingham's goal marked his fifth of the tournament, making him and Harry Kane the first English duo ever to each score at least five goals in a single World Cup. Kane leads with six goals.

Historically, only two English players had previously reached five goals in a World Cup: Kane in 2018 and Gary Lineker in 1986, both finishing with six goals. This achievement of two teammates scoring five or more goals in one tournament has occurred only six times, including by France (Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé) in the current tournament, Brazil in 2002 and 1958, Poland in 1974, and Hungary in 1938.

Bellingham has had an outstanding tournament, scoring five goals without penalties and providing an assist, making him the highest-scoring midfielder in this World Cup. His eighth World Cup goal overall surpasses Wayne Rooney’s tally, placing him behind only Kane, Lineker, and Alan Shearer among English scorers. Additionally, his goal was the 18th scored by a Real Madrid player in a single World Cup, tying records set by Hungary’s Honvéd in 1954 and Paris Saint-Germain players in 2022.

Harry Kane also reached a milestone by earning his 120th international cap, equaling Wayne Rooney’s record for most appearances by an English outfield player. Only goalkeeper Peter Shilton has more caps with 125. On Norway’s side, Schjelderup’s goal ended a 450-minute drought against England, marking the first Norwegian goal against an English goalkeeper in 33 years. Martin Ødegaard, who assisted the goal, became Norway’s top assist provider in a single World Cup, surpassing Arsenal teammates Bukayo Saka (this tournament) and Dennis Bergkamp (1998).