England reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after Jude Bellingham scored twice in a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in Miami, United States to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the fourth time.
Norway stunned England in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup’s inswinging delivery drifted beyond Jordan Pickford and into the net.
England responded deep into first-half stoppage time through Bellingham, who calmly finished after a sustained attack restored parity at 1-1.
Norway thought they had regained the lead in the 56th minute, but VAR disallowed the effort for Erling Haaland’s foul during the build-up.
Pickford then produced a vital save to deny Haaland as England gradually regained control in the sweltering Miami conditions.
The match remained level after 90 minutes, forcing extra time as both sides searched desperately for a decisive breakthrough.
England struck again in the 93rd minute when Norway goalkeeper, Ørjan Nyland, fumbled, allowing Bellingham to smash home from close range.
Norway pressed relentlessly during extra time, but John Stones marshalled England’s defence superbly as Pickford made further important interventions.
Thomas Tuchel introduced fresh legs late on, with England switching to a defensive shape to preserve their slender advantage.
The final whistle confirmed England’s place in the semi-finals, where they will face Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday in their fourth semi-final in their last five major championships, looking to stay on course for a repeat of their sole World Cup triumph of 1966.
“The result is fantastic. We’re in the last four. It’s amazing, but I’m not happy with the performance,” England coach Thomas Tuchel said.
“We made life very, very difficult for ourselves in the way we played. Sloppy, a lot of technical mistakes, not fast enough, not repetitive enough. We were lucky today.”
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Norway will feel they deserved more out of the game, even if England kept Erling Haaland scoreless for the first time in his last 16 matches for his country, and will exit their first World Cup in 28 years with heads held high.
“It is a bit bitter, but it has been an adventure,” said Norway skipper Martin Odegaard.
“We must be proud. We are here for the first time in a long time, and we are making our mark. The whole world is talking about us.”
Bellingham’s brace took his tournament tally to six goals, underlining his growing influence on England’s World Cup campaign.
Tuchel admitted his side fell below their usual standards in spite of progressing.
“We were too sloppy and made too many technical mistakes, but the mentality was outstanding,” he said.
He praised Bellingham’s decisive contribution, describing the midfielder as a player who consistently delivers in the biggest matches.
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken lamented the fine margins after his side’s spirited display.
“We competed well, but small moments and costly mistakes decided the match,” Solbakken said.
