Jude Bellingham produced another match winning performance Saturday, scoring twice as England rallied from an early deficit to defeat Norway 2-1 after extra time and book a place in the FIFA World Cup semifinals for the first time since 2018.
The Real Madrid midfielder canceled out Norway’s first half lead before striking the decisive goal three minutes into extra time, sending England into the final four where the 1966 champions will face either Argentina or Switzerland.
England dominated possession for much of the opening half but struggled to convert that control into clear scoring opportunities. Jude Bellingham headed wide from an Elliot Anderson cross in the opening stages before Harry Kane fired a free kick over the crossbar as England searched for the breakthrough.
Norway gradually grew into the contest and capitalized in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup collected a cross and sent a left footed effort beyond goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after the ball struck the far post on its way into the net.
The goal energized the Norwegian side, with Alexander Sorloth and Erling Haaland both threatening to extend the advantage. Pickford was called into action several times as England struggled to regain control.
England found its response deep into first half stoppage time. Anthony Gordon picked out Bellingham with a precise pass inside the penalty area, and the midfielder calmly guided a low finish beyond goalkeeper Orjan Nyland to restore parity before the interval.
Norway believed it had regained the lead early in the second half when Torbjorn Heggem converted from close range following a corner. However, a video review ruled out the goal after officials determined that Haaland had committed a foul inside the penalty area during the buildup.
England also created chances after the break as Bukayo Saka, Kane and substitute Morgan Rogers tested Norway’s defense, while Kristoffer Ajer came closest for Norway when his effort struck the crossbar late in regulation.
With neither side able to find a winner during normal time, the match moved into extra time.
England seized control almost immediately. Nyland initially denied Kane with a fine save but could only push Rogers’ long range effort into the path of Bellingham, who reacted quickest to convert the rebound from close range and give England its first lead of the afternoon.
England was later awarded a penalty after Djed Spence went down inside the area, but the decision was overturned following another video review.
Norway’s hopes suffered another setback when Haaland was forced off with a suspected injury midway through extra time. The Manchester City striker, who entered the match with seven tournament goals, failed to score for the first time during this World Cup.
Despite late pressure from Patrick Berg and a series of important saves by Nyland that kept Norway within reach, England defended resolutely through the closing stages to secure the victory.
The result sends England into its fourth World Cup semifinal and keeps alive hopes of reaching its first World Cup final since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1966.
Bellingham now has six goals in the tournament, drawing level with England captain Harry Kane. Only France’s Kylian Mbappe with eight goals and Argentina’s Lionel Messi have scored more during this World Cup.
The Associated Press said Schjelderup’s opening goal stunned an England side that had largely controlled possession. The report also noted that Bellingham’s equalizer sparked celebrations among a crowd that included England legend David Beckham and musician Mick Jagger.
The Associated Press also highlighted a controversial moment before England’s first goal when a Norway goal kick appeared to strike an aerial camera cable before falling to Elliot Anderson. Under FIFA rules, play should be stopped if the ball is observed striking overhead equipment. Match officials allowed play to continue, and England eventually scored during the sequence.
Earlier in the match, players and spectators observed a moment of silence in memory of South African midfielder Jayden Adams, whose death was announced Saturday.
England’s victory continues an impressive tournament run that has showcased both attacking quality and resilience under pressure. After overcoming co host Mexico in the Round of 16 and now eliminating an in form Norwegian side, England moves within one victory of returning to the World Cup final for the first time in six decades.
For Norway, the defeat ends a memorable campaign that marked the nation’s deepest World Cup run in modern history. Led by Haaland, Martin Odegaard and Schjelderup, the Scandinavian side captured worldwide attention with its energetic performances and emerged as one of the tournament’s surprise contenders. Despite the disappointment, the team’s progress signals growing strength ahead of future international competitions.
What We Know So Far
England advances to the World Cup semifinals after overcoming an early deficit in one of the tournament’s most competitive quarterfinals. The victory extends the team’s unbeaten run and sets up a high profile semifinal against either Argentina or Switzerland.
What Authorities Are Saying
Match officials reviewed two key incidents using video replay, overturning Norway’s second half goal because of a foul in the buildup and later rescinding England’s extra time penalty. FIFA has not indicated whether the aerial camera cable incident before England’s equalizer will be formally reviewed.
Why This Matters
England’s victory reinforces its status as one of the strongest contenders for the World Cup title, with Bellingham emerging as one of the tournament’s standout performers. The match also highlighted the growing influence of video review technology, which played a decisive role in several critical moments. For Norway, the quarterfinal appearance represents significant progress and could serve as a foundation for sustained success on the international stage.
What Happens Next
England will face either Argentina or Switzerland in the World Cup semifinals with a place in the championship match at stake. Norway will turn its attention to future international competitions, while tournament organizers are expected to continue monitoring player welfare after another match played in demanding heat and humidity.
