England beat Norway to reach World Cup semi-finals

England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating Norway 2-1 in a hard-fought quarter-final, with Jude Bellingham delivering a match-winning performance by scoring both goals for the Three Lions.

The quarter-final clash was played at a high tempo, with both sides creating chances in an entertaining contest. Norway struck first in the 36th minute, when Schjelderup found the back of the net to give his side a deserved lead and ignite hopes of another upset in their historic World Cup campaign.

England responded with determination after the break, taking control of possession and increasing the pressure on the Norwegian defense. Midfield star Jude Bellingham rose to the occasion, scoring twice to complete a dramatic comeback and send England into the last four of the tournament.

The victory marks England’s fourth appearance in a FIFA World Cup semi-final, adding another milestone to the nation’s football history. England famously lifted the World Cup trophy in 1966, before reaching the semi-finals again in 1990 and 2018. The latest triumph keeps alive hopes of winning a second world title after six decades.

For Norway, the defeat brought an emotional end to a memorable campaign. The Scandinavian nation had reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in its history after qualifying for the tournament for the first time in 28 years. Their impressive run earned praise from fans and football experts alike, highlighting the team’s steady progress on the international stage.

England now joins Spain and France, who have already secured their places in the semi-finals, with one remaining spot still to be decided. As the tournament enters its decisive stage, the Three Lions will be aiming to continue their impressive form and move one step closer to football’s biggest prize.