England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norway in an enthralling quarter-final, with Jude Bellingham producing a match-winning performance.
Bellingham stole the headlines with a brace as the Real Madrid midfielder scored twice to guide England into the last four and keep their hopes of winning a first World Cup since 1966 firmly alive.
Norway, enjoying their best World Cup campaign in decades, matched England for long periods and posed a constant threat through Haaland and their quick transitions. However, England's composure in key moments ultimately proved decisive.
It was Andreas Schjelderup who gave the Vikings a huge lead, but Bellingham equalized just before the break. With the match
finely balanced, England looked to their midfield talisman once again in Extra Time. Bellingham delivered when it mattered most, finding the net for a second time to restore England's lead and put Thomas Tuchel's side within touching distance of the semi-finals.
Norway continued to push for an equaliser in the closing stages, throwing bodies forward in search of a dramatic comeback. England's defence, however, stood firm under sustained pressure, preserving the narrow advantage until the final whistle.
England through to World Cup Semis
The victory sends England into the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the other quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland. With Jude Bellingham in inspired form and England gathering momentum at the perfect time, belief continues to grow that the Three Lions could finally end their long wait for World Cup glory.
For Norway, the defeat brings an end to a memorable tournament. Despite the disappointment, Ståle Solbakken's side leave the tournament with plenty of positives and the promise of an exciting future. England, meanwhile, are now just two victories away from lifting football's biggest prize.
