England has officially secured its place in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a thrilling quarter-final encounter against Norway. In a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, England emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. The hero of the night was undoubtedly their star midfielder, Jude Bellingham, who found the back of the net twice to guide his team to victory, while this win marks a significant milestone for the English national team as they reach the final four of the world's most prestigious football tournament for the fourth time in their history.
The Battle at Miami Stadium
The high-stakes quarter-final match took place at the iconic Miami Stadium, where both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination. Norway started the game with high intensity and managed to break the deadlock in the 36th minute. Andreas Schjelderup scored the opening goal for Norway, etching his name in history as the first Norwegian player to score in a FIFA World Cup quarter-final. This goal gave Norway an early advantage and put England under considerable pressure.
However, England's resilience was on full display as they searched for an equalizer before the break. Their efforts paid off in the dying moments of the first half. During the second minute of extra time, specifically in the 47th minute, Jude Bellingham struck his first goal of the match. This crucial strike brought England back into the game, ending the first half with the score tied at 1-1.
Bellingham's Late Heroics
The second half began with both teams fighting tooth and nail to find a winner. The competition was fierce, and despite several close calls, neither side managed to score within the regulation 90 minutes. As the match moved into extra time at the end of the second half, the tension reached its peak, while in the third minute of second-half extra time, Jude Bellingham once again proved why he's considered one of the best in the world. He scored his second goal of the night, securing a 2-1 lead for England. This late goal proved to be the winner, sending England into the semifinals and ending Norway's impressive run in the tournament.
Equaling the Legend Pele
Jude Bellingham's performance against Norway wasn't just about winning the match; it was also about rewriting the record books, while by scoring two goals in this quarter-final, Bellingham has equaled a record held by the legendary Brazilian footballer Pele. Both players now share the record for the most goals scored in FIFA World Cup history by a player aged 23 or younger, with 7 goals each. While Kylian Mbappe currently leads this particular list with 12 goals, Bellingham's achievement places him among the absolute elite of the sport.
Also, Bellingham has become only the second youngest footballer after Pele to score two or more goals in consecutive knockout matches of a FIFA World Cup. This consistency in high-pressure situations highlights his maturity and talent on the global stage. His impact on the English team has been monumental throughout this campaign.
Chasing English Records and Historical Context
In addition to international records, Bellingham is also on the verge of breaking domestic records for England. With 6 goals in the current edition of the World Cup, he has equaled the record for the most goals scored by an English player in a single World Cup tournament. He now stands alongside legendary figures Gary Lineker and Harry Kane in this regard. With at least one more match to play in the semifinals, Bellingham has a golden opportunity to take sole possession of this record.
This victory marks the fourth time England has reached the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup. Their previous appearances in the final four occurred in 1966, 1990, and 2018. The 1966 tournament remains their most successful to date, where they went on to win the trophy. The current squad, led by the brilliance of players like Bellingham, will be hoping to replicate that success and bring the trophy home once again. The journey continues as England prepares for their semifinal clash, carrying the momentum of this hard-fought victory over Norway.