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By Ethan Carter — 12 July 2026 — 3 min read

England secured a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in the World Cup quarterfinals. The match, played in Miami, saw Jude Bellingham score both goals for England, though the win was marked by several controversial moments.

Norway initially took the lead with a goal from Andreas Schjelderup. England had dominated possession early in the game but struggled to create clear chances before Schjelderup scored from the left side of the box.

Controversial Equalizer and Disallowed Goal

A controversial equalizer followed for England. After Norway’s goalkeeper Orjan Nyland sent a goal kick upfield, Norway believed the ball struck an overhead sky camera wire, causing it to drop near Elliot Anderson. Anderson then passed to Anthony Gordon, who found Bellingham to score. FIFA stated that its ball chip technology indicated no contact with the wire or camera. Video images, however, appeared to show a change in the ball’s trajectory.

Norway’s coach Stale Solbakken and goalkeeper Nyland were convinced the ball had hit the wire, pointing to the sky after the goal. Solbakken also raised the issue with officials during England’s celebration and again at halftime. According to one report, the contact with the wire should have resulted in the game stopping.

Later in the match, Norway had a goal disallowed. Torbjorn Heggem scored from a corner kick, but the goal was overturned after a VAR review, citing a push by Erling Haaland on Anderson.

Bellingham’s Decisive Goals

Bellingham scored his first goal late in the first half of normal time, bringing the score to 1-1. His second goal, the winner, came early in extra time. This goal occurred after Nyland spilt a Morgan Rogers shot and Bellingham pounced to score from the rebound. Bellingham’s performance was described as remarkably decisive, and he was substituted with 10 minutes left in extra time for Dan Burn.

Haaland, who had the fewest touches of anyone on the pitch, was substituted halfway through extra time. There were suggestions of a slight injury, as he received a massage on the touchline after coming off. His replacement, Jorgen Strand Larsen, took four touches and was similarly isolated during his time on the field.

The match saw further drama when England was awarded a penalty after Djed Spence went down in the box, but referee Clement Turpin overturned the decision after a review. England ultimately held on for the win.

Looking Ahead to the Semifinals

England will now advance to the semifinals, where they are scheduled to play the winner of the match between Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday. The winners of that game will then play either France or Spain, who play on Tuesday, in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.

The victory was not without challenges for England, as they experienced a disjointed second half after a strong start. Coach Thomas Tuchel withdrew Declan Rice at halftime, and the team took time to regain its structure. Despite these difficulties, England’s spirit helped them secure the win.

The team faces questions regarding the fitness of Rice and the tiredness of Bellingham and Harry Kane as they prepare for their next match.

Source: nytimes.com