KATHMANDU, July 12: Jude Bellingham scored twice, including the winner in extra time, as England beat Norway 2-1 to book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals.
In a closely contested quarterfinal at Miami Stadium early Sunday, Norway took the lead in the 36th minute through Andreas Schjelderup. Bellingham equalized in first-half stoppage time to send the teams into the break level at 1-1.
JSS volleyball competition concludes in Norway
Neither side found a breakthrough during the remaining 90 minutes, forcing the match into extra time. Just three minutes into the extra period, Bellingham struck his second goal of the night to seal England's victory.
Norway had chances to regain the lead but failed to capitalize. Torbjørn Heggem thought he had scored in the 56th minute, but the goal was ruled out after VAR determined that Erling Haaland had committed a foul in the buildup. Haaland also failed to get on the scoresheet.
Thomas Tuchel's England will now face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semifinal in Atlanta. England players said the team is fully prepared for the next stage.
Before kickoff, players and officials observed a minute's silence in memory of South African midfielder Jayden Adams, 25, who recently passed away.
Meanwhile, Argentina and Switzerland are set to meet in the other quarterfinal at Kansas City Stadium later Sunday. The match, scheduled to kick off at 6:45 a.m. Nepal time, will decide England's semifinal opponent.
England have reached the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 2018. The 1966 world champions are now two wins away from lifting the trophy once again.
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