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As the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its final stages, we’re in for some more titanic clashes, and one of them was Saturday’s quarter-final match between England and Norway.
Of course, England – with attacking machines like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham – are always a team to watch, but Norway have been a surprise dark horse.
Of course, it’s thanks to the force of nature that is Norwegian Erling Haaland, who has quickly become one of the most popular players in the United States, and the feeling is mutual.
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Much of the pre-match attention focused on two of the sport’s biggest stars, England’s Harry Kane and Norway’s Erling Haaland. (Photo by Angela WEISS and Odd ANDERSEN / AFP))
With so much firepower on the field, there was a good chance there would be real fireworks.
However, the first 20 minutes or so – until the hydration break – was really just a feel-out process, with neither team getting any real, dangerous scoring opportunities.
In the 28th minute, England were awarded a free kick which Kane fired past the Norwegian wall, but over the crossbar.
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Norway celebrates a goal by Andreas Schjelderup which opened the scoring against England on Saturday in Miami. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
But in the 46th minute, Norway opened the scoring, thanks to 22-year-old Andreas Schjelderup, who scored an absolutely magnificent goal.
But the lead didn’t last very long.
England’s Jude Bellingham celebrates an equalizing goal in the first half against Norway. (Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)
In stoppage time at the end of the first half, Jude Bellingham, the hero of the Three Lions’ courageous victory in Mexico City against Mexico, equalized with his fifth goal in six matches in this World Cup.
England almost took the lead into the dressing room at half-time when Kane found the back of the net a few minutes later; however, he was ruled offside.
Early in the second half, the two teams exchanged a few scoring chances, including a difficult shot that England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had to tip over the crossbar for a Norwegian corner.
This was pushed away, but moments later Norway were awarded another corner, which England deflected for another corner.
The third time was (a little) the success, and the Norwegians ended up putting the ball in the back of the net, but it was called back due to a foul on Haaland.
This meant Norway had to retake the corner, which England managed to defend.
Norway looked dangerous from set pieces and almost scored from another later in the half, only for England to be bailed out by the crossbar.
England had a few late chances, but neither team could break the tie and it went to extra time.
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In the 93rd minute, who else? — Jude Bellingham gave England their first lead of the match, and that was all they needed.
England held on and will face the winner of Saturday night’s match between Argentina and Switzerland as they continue their quest for their first World Cup title since 1966.
