Bellingham brace sends England into FIFA World Cup semis
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Jude Bellingham scored twice as England edged Norway 2-1 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final at Miami Stadium on 12 July, booking a place in the last four and ending a spirited Norwegian run. Thomas Tuchel's side came from behind to advance, with Bellingham's clinical reactions in extra time proving the difference.
How the game unfolded
Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway the lead in the 36th minute, sweeping a cross-shot in off the inside of the far post after Erling Haaland's earlier header — straight at Jordan Pickford — had already signalled intent. England were slow to respond, but Bellingham levelled matters in first-half stoppage time with a driving run and composed finish.
Harry Kane thought he had put England ahead shortly after, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. The drama continued when Torbjorn Heggem's effort, which appeared to restore Norway's lead just before the hour, was disallowed by VAR for Haaland's push on Elliot Anderson following a corner.
Bellingham's decisive moment
Extra time looked to be heading toward a coin-flip finish when substitute Morgan Rogers unleashed a fierce strike that goalkeeper Orjan Nyland could only spill. Bellingham reacted quickest from close range to convert the rebound and seal England's passage — ending Norway's memorable debut quarter-final run.
Norway, notably, were appearing in just their third World Cup — having reached the last 16 in 1938 and 1998 and exiting at the group stage in USA 1994. This quarter-final was the furthest the Nordics had ever gone in the tournament's history.
England's record-breaking duo
Bellingham and Kane are now on six goals apiece at World Cup 2026. It is the first time two England players have each scored at least five goals at a single edition of the tournament — a historic milestone for the Three Lions.
What's next for England
England now advance to their fourth FIFA World Cup semi-final, where they will face either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta. Tuchel's side will be buoyed by their resilience, though the performance — particularly the slow start and defensive scares — will demand closer attention ahead of the last-four clash.