England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2018 after Jude Bellingham produced a match-winning performance, scoring twice in a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway.
The Real Madrid midfielder struck the decisive goal in the third minute of extra time after cancelling out Andreas Schjelderup’s first-half opener, sending the Three Lions within one win of a place in the World Cup final.
England will now face either defending champions Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals after the two sides were scheduled to meet later on Saturday in Kansas City.
Bellingham once again proved England’s talisman on the biggest stage, taking his tournament tally to six goals—level with captain Harry Kane and behind only France’s Kylian Mbappé and Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who have eight goals apiece. The 23-year-old had also scored twice in England’s round-of-16 victory over co-hosts Mexico.
Norway, appearing in their first World Cup quarter-final, threatened another major upset after Andreas Schjelderup broke the deadlock in the 36th minute.
The midfielder, making only his second start of the tournament, unleashed a powerful effort that struck the inside of the right post before finding the back of the net, silencing England supporters after the Three Lions had dominated possession for much of the opening half.
Schjelderup celebrated by stretching out his arms before being lifted onto the shoulders of his teammates, while England’s Harry Kane was left sitting near the centre circle clutching his leg after an earlier challenge that went unpunished.
England responded just before halftime when Bellingham finished from close range to restore parity, sparking wild celebrations among a crowd that included music legend Mick Jagger and England icon David Beckham.
The equaliser, however, was not without controversy.
Moments earlier, a Norway goal kick appeared to strike an aerial camera cable before dropping kindly for England midfielder Elliot Anderson. Play continued, and the move eventually culminated in Bellingham beating goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland with a low finish into the far corner. Under FIFA regulations, play should be stopped if the ball is observed making contact with the suspended camera cable, with possession then decided through a dropped ball.
Norway thought they had regained the lead in the 56th minute when Torbjørn Heggem bundled home from close range following a corner kick. However, after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, the goal was ruled out for a foul committed by Erling Haaland inside the penalty area.
It was another frustrating moment for Haaland, who was kept scoreless for the first time at this World Cup despite entering the match with seven goals. The Manchester City striker also saw a powerful first-half header brilliantly saved by Jordan Pickford before being substituted during the second half of extra time for Jørgen Strand Larsen.
With penalties looming, England found the breakthrough deep into extra time.
Bellingham once again demonstrated his composure under pressure, calmly finishing to seal victory and ignite jubilant celebrations among the England players and supporters.
The victory keeps alive England’s dream of lifting the World Cup for the first time since its historic triumph in 1966 and moves Gareth Southgate’s men within one match of another appearance in the tournament’s final.
Before kick-off, both teams observed a moment of silence in memory of South African midfielder **Jayden Adams**, whose death at the age of 25 was announced earlier on Saturday. The tribute was observed respectfully by players, officials and supporters before attention turned to a thrilling quarter-final that ultimately belonged to Bellingham and England.
