Bellingham Brace Sends England Past Norway to Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals, Read match Report

England secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals after defeating Norway 2-1 following extra time in a tense quarter-final in Miami. Jude Bellingham scored both goals for the Three Lions, including the decisive winner in the 93rd minute, as England completed a comeback against a resilient Norwegian side.

📊 England vs Norway Match Details

⚽ Goal Timeline

🏟️ England Control the Early Stages

England began the contest with greater possession and tried to stretch Norway through the wide areas. Anthony Gordon and Nico O’Reilly combined effectively on the left, while Noni Madueke also threatened from the opposite flank.

Bellingham made several trademark late runs into the penalty area, but Norway’s compact defensive structure initially prevented England from converting their pressure into a goal.

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🇳🇴 Norway Take the Lead

The match changed in the 36th minute when Patrick Berg dispossessed Harry Kane inside England’s half. Martin Ødegaard then released Andreas Schjelderup, whose dangerous cross travelled towards Erling Haaland.

Haaland could not make contact, but the ball struck the inside of the post and crossed the line to put Norway ahead.

⭐ Bellingham Restores Parity

England responded before the interval. Gordon beat Julian Ryerson and found Bellingham near the edge of the penalty area. The midfielder moved past Torbjørn Heggem and guided a controlled left-footed effort into the bottom corner.

Harry Kane later thought he had given England the lead, but his chipped finish was disallowed for offside.

🔄 VAR Decisions and Second-Half Drama

Thomas Tuchel introduced Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze at half-time as England searched for greater attacking intensity.

Norway believed they had regained the lead in the 55th minute when Heggem scored after Jordan Pickford saved Berg’s initial attempt. However, VAR ruled out the goal due to a foul by Haaland on Elliot Anderson.

Norway continued to threaten, with Kristoffer Ajer striking the crossbar and Haaland sending the rebound into the side netting. England also created opportunities through Saka and substitute Djed Spence, but neither side found the winning goal during normal time.

⏱️ Bellingham Scores the Extra-Time Winner

England finally took the lead three minutes into extra time. Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland initially denied Kane, before parrying Morgan Rogers’ long-range effort into Bellingham’s path.

The midfielder reacted quickest and converted from close range to complete his brace and put England ahead for the first time.

England were briefly awarded a penalty later in extra time, but VAR overturned the decision after ruling that Spence had initiated the contact with Oscar Bobb.

🛡️ England Hold On for Victory

Norway pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but England defended strongly to secure the 2-1 victory.

The result also made England the first team since Austria in October 2024 to keep Erling Haaland scoreless in a competitive international match for Norway, ending his 636-day scoring run.

🏆 England vs Argentina Semi-Final

England will now face Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final.

📺 Where to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 in India

The FIFA World Cup 2026 matches are available live on ZEE5 in English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bangla, with television coverage through Unite8 Sports.

📌 Match Highlights

• ✅ England defeated Norway 2-1 after extra time.
• ✅ Jude Bellingham scored both England goals.
• ✅ Norway opened the scoring in the 36th minute.
• ✅ A Norway goal was later disallowed after a VAR review.
• ✅ Bellingham scored the winner in the 93rd minute.
• ✅ England advanced to face Argentina in the Semi-Final.