Jude Bellingham sends England into FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals
Jude Bellingham once again proved decisive on football's biggest stage, scoring twice to inspire England to a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals.
The Real Madrid midfielder cancelled out Norway's first-half lead before producing the winning goal just three minutes into extra time, sending England into the tournament's final four for the second time in three World Cups.
The victory keeps England's hopes of winning a first World Cup since 1966 firmly alive.
Norway strike first
Despite England dominating possession for much of the opening period, Norway stunned the Three Lions in the 36th minute. Andreas Schjelderup finished clinically after finding space inside the penalty area, beating Jordan Pickford with a strike that clipped the post before crossing the line.
The goal rewarded another confident Norwegian performance as Ståle Solbakken's side continued the impressive run that had captured global attention throughout the tournament.
Bellingham responds before half-time
England needed inspiration, and Bellingham provided it. Moments after a controversial attacking sequence in which the ball appeared to brush an overhead camera cable before England regained possession, the midfielder arrived inside the box to fire a low finish beyond Ørjan Nyland.
The equaliser settled England and ensured the teams entered halftime level despite Norway's disciplined defensive display.
VAR denies Norway again
Norway thought they had restored their advantage early in the second half. Following a corner kick, Torbjørn Heggem converted a rebound after Pickford's initial save.
However, a lengthy VAR review ruled the goal out after officials judged Erling Haaland had committed a foul inside the penalty area during the build-up. The decision proved one of the game's defining moments.
Pickford frustrates Haaland
England also benefited from an outstanding performance by Jordan Pickford. The Everton goalkeeper produced several crucial saves, including a superb stop to deny Haaland from point-blank range during the first half.
For the first time at the 2026 World Cup, Haaland failed to find the back of the net, ending a remarkable scoring run that had yielded seven tournament goals. The Manchester City striker was eventually substituted during extra time.
England find the winner
With penalties beginning to loom, Bellingham produced another decisive contribution. Just three minutes into extra time, the midfielder timed his run perfectly before finishing calmly to complete England's comeback and send Gareth Southgate's side into the semi-finals.
The goal was Bellingham's sixth of the tournament, drawing him level with Harry Kane among England's leading scorers while continuing his outstanding World Cup campaign.
Semi-final beckons
England will now meet either Argentina or Switzerland for a place in the FIFA World Cup final. With Bellingham in outstanding form and the squad growing in confidence, England remain firmly among the favourites to lift the trophy.
For Norway, the defeat ends an unforgettable tournament that showcased one of the nation's most talented generations, led by Haaland and an exciting group of emerging players.
Although the Vikings fall short of the semi-finals, their performances suggest they could remain a major force on the international stage for years to come.
SportsLigue
