Kha Y Tran England reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals after a thrilling 2-1 win over Norway in extra time. Jude Bellingham scored twice to complete another famous comeback. As a result, the Three Lions moved one step closer to the world title.
Norway made England work hard for every chance. They defended well and looked dangerous on the counterattack. However, England stayed calm. Bellingham’s late winner finally settled an exciting quarterfinal.
Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnFUiq8m9os&t=3s
Match Result
England 2-1 Norway (After Extra Time)
Scorers
- England: Jude Bellingham (45+2′, 93′)
- Norway: Andreas Schjelderup (36′)
England will now play the winner of Argentina vs Switzerland in the semifinals.
England Dominate Early Possession
They entered the match full of confidence after beating Mexico. Thomas Tuchel kept almost the same lineup. John Stones and Marc Guehi started in central defense to stop Erling Haaland.
Norway trusted Martin Ødegaard to lead the midfield. Meanwhile, Haaland and Alexander Sørloth waited for counterattacks.
England controlled the ball from the first whistle. They spent long periods in Norway’s half. However, they struggled to create clear chances.
Norway stayed patient. They defended deep and waited for space to attack. As the first half continued, they became more dangerous.
Photo: Reuters.
Schjelderup Gives Norway the Lead
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute. Ødegaard played a smart pass into the box. Schjelderup collected it before firing a powerful shot across goal. The ball hit the post and went in.
Norway suddenly led 1-0. The goal lifted Norway’s confidence. At the same time, England had to respond quickly.
Photo: Reuters.
Photo: Reuters.
Bellingham Strikes Before Halftime
England found the equalizer at the perfect time. In first-half stoppage time, Anthony Gordon raced down the left wing. He then sent a low pass into the area. Bellingham timed his run well. He beat his defender and finished calmly into the far corner.
The goal made it 1-1 before halftime.
It also changed the momentum. England returned to the dressing room with renewed belief.
Photo: Reuters.
Photo: Reuters.
Norway Keep Fighting
Norway nearly scored again early in the second half. Heggem found the net from close range. However, VAR ruled the goal out because Haaland committed a foul earlier in the move. England escaped another scare.
Later, Kristoffer Ajer came close with a strong header. This time, the crossbar denied Norway.
England also searched for a winner. However, Norway’s defense stayed organized. Neither team could score before full time.
As a result, the match went to extra time.
Photo: Reuters.
Bellingham Scores the Winner
Extra time started with both teams looking tired. Even so, England kept pushing forward.
In the 93rd minute, substitute Morgan Rogers hit a powerful shot from outside the box. Goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland could only push the ball away. Bellingham reacted first.
The midfielder followed in and tapped the rebound into the net. England led 2-1.
Norway threw everyone forward during the final minutes. Haaland searched for one last chance. However, England defended well and held on until the final whistle.
Photo: Reuters.
Bellingham Shines Again
Bellingham was the difference. He scored England’s equalizer before halftime. Then he netted the winning goal in extra time.
The Real Madrid star also worked hard in midfield. He helped England keep control during difficult moments. Once again, he proved why he is one of the best young players in world football.
Photo: Reuters.
Norway Exit With Pride
Norway may be out, but they impressed throughout the tournament. Ødegaard created several good attacks. Schjelderup scored a brilliant goal. Haaland also kept England’s defense busy all night.
The team defended well and came close to winning. In the end, only small moments separated the two sides.
England Move Closer to World Cup Glory
England showed great character once again. They recovered after falling behind. They stayed patient and never gave up. Most importantly, Jude Bellingham delivered when his team needed him.
The Three Lions are now only two wins away from lifting the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy. With confidence growing and key players in top form, England will believe they can go all the way.
Read more:
World Cup 2026: England Fight Back to Beat DR Congo
World Cup 2026: Norway Escape With Thrilling Win
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