Bellingham's brace sends England to first World Cup semi-final since 2018

Jude Bellingham scored either side of half-time to carry England past Norway 2-0 at Miami Stadium on Saturday, booking a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2018 — only the fourth occasion in the nation’s history.

Norway had threatened the upset when Andreas Schjelderup, making just his second start of the tournament, fired a shot that clipped the right post and crept into the net in the 36th minute. The goal silenced an England side that had dominated possession, with Harry Kane briefly grabbing his leg near midfield as play continued around him.

Bellingham levelled in first-half stoppage time under a cloud of controversy. A Norway goal kick appeared to strike an aerial camera cable before the ball fell to Elliot Anderson; England worked it quickly to Bellingham, who slotted a low finish to the far post past Ørjan Nyland. Referee and VAR officials allowed the goal to stand.

With the scores level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the match moved to extra time. Bellingham needed only three additional minutes to settle it, converting in the 93rd to complete his brace and send England through.

The Real Madrid midfielder now has six goals at this World Cup, equalling the record for the most by an English player in a single edition of the tournament. Schjelderup, who had also set up both of Erling Haaland’s goals in Norway’s round-of-16 victory over Brazil, finished on the losing side despite another lively display.

England will face the winner of Argentina versus Switzerland in the semi-finals.