England Defeats Norway to Reach World Cup Semi-Finals with Bellingham Heroics

England's national football team advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Norway in Miami, secured by a brace from Jude Bellingham. The match, played overnight between Saturday and Sunday, saw England overcome a resilient Norwegian side in extra time. England will face the winner of the Argentina-Switzerland quarter-final on Wednesday at 22:00.

Norway took the lead in the 35th minute through Andreas Skadberg, who scored after a powerful shot from Martin Ødegaard hit the post and rebounded into the net. England equalized just before halftime when Anthony Gordon assisted Bellingham, who skillfully bypassed the Norwegian defense to score. Norway continued to pressure in the second half, hitting the crossbar and forcing goalkeeper Jordan Pickford into several saves, but the match went into extra time tied at 1-1.

Early in extra time, substitute Morgan Rogers unleashed a powerful shot that Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland mishandled, allowing Bellingham to score his second goal and put England ahead 2-1. Despite Norway's efforts, including a disallowed goal due to a foul by Erling Haaland, England held on to win. Haaland, who had a strong tournament with seven goals, was substituted before the second half of extra time after a subdued performance.

This victory marks England's first return to the World Cup semi-finals since 2018 and only the fourth time in their history. The team is now two wins away from securing their first World Cup title since 1966. The match also featured a moment of silence for South African player Jayden Adams, who recently passed away at age 25.

England showed resilience and character throughout the match, with Bellingham emerging as the tournament's standout midfielder and top scorer among midfielders. Harry Kane, in contrast, had a quiet game with limited impact. Norway's historic run, which included eliminating Brazil in the round of 16, ended in disappointment as their key players could not replicate their best form against England.