Bellingham Scores Brace as England Defeats Norway in World Cup Quarterfinal

Jude Bellingham scored both goals for England in their 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday, advancing England to the semifinals. The Real Madrid midfielder's performance continued a notable knockout-stage scoring streak.

The match, held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, took place under challenging heat conditions with temperatures reaching 90°F and a heat index of 108 degrees. Norway, in their first World Cup quarterfinal in 28 years, took the lead in the 36th minute through Andreas Schjelderup. However, Bellingham equalized just before halftime, firing low past Ørjan Nyland after receiving a pass from Anthony Gordon.

England's equalizer arrived amidst controversy. Moments prior, Norway's goal kick appeared to strike the overhead spider-cam cable, potentially altering the ball's trajectory and leading to England regaining possession. Referee Clément Turpin and the VAR team did not stop play, and FIFA later stated they found no evidence of contact between the ball and the cable.

Norway's Alexander Sørloth also missed a significant opportunity to extend their lead earlier in the match by hesitating to pass to Erling Haaland. England will now face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semifinals on July 15 in Atlanta.