It was a hard-fought victory, but England is now in the 2026 World Cup semifinals. The players coached by Thomas Tuchel started the match stronger than Norway but failed to score before the water break. That break benefited the Norwegians, who organized themselves better, adjusted their pressure, and began playing in England’s half and putting the English under pressure.

As a result, Andreas Schjelderup put his team ahead just past the half-hour mark. It was a precarious moment for England, but one of their saviors stepped up: Bellingham. The Real Madrid player received a pass from Gordon and, with a brilliant individual effort, tied the game in stoppage time of the first half. The English scored another goal on the very last play of the first half, but Harry Kane was offside.

In the second half, Norway outplayed the English. In fact, they took the lead ten minutes into the second half, but Heggem’s goal was disallowed due to a prior foul by Haaland following a VAR review. Despite the substitutions made by Thomas Tuchel, England never looked comfortable and had to settle for holding on to the result and going into extra time.

England’s Results at the 2026 World Cup

• England 4-2 Croatia
• England 0-0 Ghana
• Panama 0-2 England
• England 2-1 Congo
• Mexico 2-3 England
• Norway 1-2 England

Argentina Awaits in the Semifinals

The thirty minutes of extra time got off to the best possible start for the English. Norwegian goalkeeper Nyland, who has had a great 2026 World Cup, made a mistake while trying to block a shot, and Bellingham capitalized on the rebound to score and put his team ahead. It was a confidence boost for England, which didn’t face any real trouble for the remainder of extra time.

The referee even called a penalty in their favor, but reversed the call after consulting VAR. Additionally, Haaland was surprisingly substituted at the start of the second half of extra time. Norway played with more heart than head, but Tuchel’s men defended well and kept the match under control to advance to the World Cup semifinals for the second time in the last three tournaments.

Now Argentina, the defending champion, awaits them. The team captained by Messi will face Tuchel’s side for a spot in the 2026 World Cup final. On everyone’s mind is the 1986 Mexico World Cup quarterfinal match decided by Maradona with an illegal goal scored with his hand—and with the greatest goal in World Cup history. England is seeking revenge in an attempt to win the World Cup 60 years later.

2026 World Cup Semifinals

• France - Spain (July 14, 8:00 p.m.)
• England - Argentina (July 15, 8:00 p.m.)