Bellingham breaks Norway’s dream, powers England into World Cup last four

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Jude Bellingham scored twice to inspire England to a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, sealing the Three Lions’ place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after an enthralling quarter-final contest.

England had to battle back after Norway took the lead in the first half through Andreas Schjelderup, whose powerful strike put the Scandinavian side ahead after a VAR review confirmed the goal.

The equaliser arrived just before the interval when Bellingham latched onto Anthony Gordon’s clever pass and calmly slotted home to restore parity, sending both sides into the break level at 1-1.

The second half produced end-to-end action as Norway threatened repeatedly through Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Antonio Nusa, but England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a string of crucial saves to keep his side in the contest.

Norway also had another goal ruled out following a VAR review, while England survived a late scare after a penalty awarded in extra time was overturned.

With the match heading towards a penalty shootout, Bellingham once again proved decisive. In the 93rd minute of extra time, the Real Madrid midfielder reacted quickest to a rebound inside the penalty area, rifling the ball into the net for his second goal of the night and England’s winner.

Thomas Tuchel’s side then held firm through the closing stages despite sustained Norwegian pressure, with Pickford and England’s defence frustrating Haaland and his teammates to preserve the narrow advantage.

The victory sends England into the World Cup semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the other quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland, keeping alive their quest for a second FIFA World Cup title.