Jude Bellingham scored twice, including a crucial extra-time winner, as England came from behind to defeat Norway 2-1 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, reaching the FIFA World Cup semifinals for just the fourth time in the country's history. The result sets up a last-four clash with either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday, as England chase a place in a World Cup final for the first time since their sole triumph in 1966.
Norway, appearing in their first World Cup in 28 years and contesting their first-ever quarterfinal, made a bright start in sweltering conditions — temperatures remained above 30 degrees Celsius throughout the evening kickoff. Andreas Schjelderup opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a sharp finish, and Norway went close to doubling their lead before Bellingham levelled just before half-time, collecting Anthony Gordon's pass, beating a defender and slotting in on his weaker left foot. Norway had a second goal disallowed in the second half after VAR ruled Erling Haaland had fouled Elliott Anderson before a corner was taken, and Kristoffer Ajer struck the crossbar late on as the match was pushed to extra time. The decisive moment came three minutes into the additional period, when Morgan Rogers' long-range shot was spilled by goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland and Bellingham pounced to sweep home the rebound — his sixth goal of the tournament.
The match was not without controversy. Norwegian players protested that the ball had struck a suspended camera cable in the build-up to Bellingham's first goal. FIFA subsequently issued a statement saying a sensor embedded in the ball recorded no impact with the wire, and therefore the goal stood. Norway coach Ståle Solbakken acknowledged he remained convinced the ball made contact with the cable, but accepted that neither the referee nor the ball's sensor had confirmed it. England were also awarded a penalty in extra time, only for VAR to reverse the decision, ruling that substitute Djed Spence had initiated the contact.
England manager Thomas Tuchel was candid about his team's limitations despite the result.