England Beat Norway 2-1 After Extra Time to Seal Semifinal Spot

England secured a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway to book a place in the FIFA World Cup semifinals for the first time since 2018, thanks to a match-winning performance from Jude Bellingham .

The Real Madrid midfielder scored both of England’s goals, including the decisive strike in the third minute of extra time. Bellingham had earlier rescued England with a crucial equaliser late in the first half after Norway stunned the favorites by taking the lead in the 36th minute through Andreas Schjelderup .

Norway, appearing in their first World Cup quarterfinal, capitalized on one of their few opportunities when Schjelderup fired a shot that struck the right post before finding the net. The goal came despite England dominating possession for much of the opening half.

Bellingham responded before the break, finishing from close range to level the score and reignite England’s campaign. The midfielder then delivered the winning moment in extra time, sending England into the last four and keeping alive hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966.

With his brace, Bellingham moved to six goals in the tournament , drawing level with captain Harry Kane . Only Kylian Mbappé of France and Lionel Messi of Argentina have scored more, with eight goals each.

Norway nearly restored their lead in the 56th minute when Torbjørn Heggem converted a rebound following a corner. However, after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed because of a foul by Erling Haaland inside the penalty area. Haaland, who entered the match with seven goals in the tournament , was held scoreless for the first time at this World Cup. The Manchester City striker was also denied by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford , who produced a crucial save from a close-range header.

Bellingham’s equaliser was not without controversy. Moments before the goal, the ball appeared to touch an aerial camera cable before dropping to England’s Elliot Anderson during the buildup. Play continued, and England eventually found the net. Under tournament regulations, play should be stopped if officials notice contact with such equipment.

The match drew notable spectators, including Mick Jagger and David Beckham , while a moment of silence was observed before kickoff in memory of South African midfielder Jayden Adams , whose death was announced earlier on Saturday.

England will now face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semifinals as they continue their pursuit of a second World Cup title.