England edge Norway 2-1 to reach World Cup 2026 Semifinals as Bellingham hits six
England are through to the World Cup 2026 semifinals.
The Three Lions beat Norway 2-1 in a tense quarterfinal, with captain Jude Bellingham once again the difference maker. The Real Madrid midfielder scored his sixth goal of the tournament, a strike that not only sealed the win but also cemented his status as the most dangerous player in the competition. Crypto-powered prediction markets have already moved, with odds on Bellingham winning the Golden Ball shortening sharply overnight.
This was not a comfortable victory. Norway, led by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, made England work for every minute. Haaland came into the game as the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals. For the first time in 2026, he was held without a goal. He was frustrated by Jordan Pickford in the first half when the England keeper made a point-blank save from a Haaland header. Then in the 56th minute, Norway thought they had gone 2-1 up. Torbjørn Heggem turned in a rebound after a corner, but VAR intervened. The goal was disallowed for a foul by Haaland in the box. By the second half of extra time, Norway boss Ståle Solbakken had seen enough and brought on Jorgen Strand Larsen for Haaland.
England’s path here has been built on moments of individual brilliance, and none bigger than Bellingham. His quarterfinal goal was his sixth of the tournament. It follows his round-of-16 masterclass against Mexico, where England won 3-2. In that game, Bellingham scored twice in 98 seconds. That’s not a typo. Two goals, 98 seconds. That burst turned a tight game and announced England as genuine contenders.
With the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the stakes feel bigger. The crowds have been massive, the travel brutal, and the margins thin. England have navigated all of it so far.
Now the conversation shifts. Bellingham, with six goals, is right behind Haaland on seven in the Golden Boot race. If England go deeper, he has two more games to overtake him. More than goals, it’s his influence. He’s captaining the side at 22, dictating tempo, breaking lines, and scoring when it matters. That’s why the markets are paying attention. In a tournament full of superstars, Bellingham is the one bookmaker and fans are circling.
Norway will go home proud. They pushed a favorite all the way and created chances. But on the night, Pickford stood tall, England’s defense held, and Bellingham did what he’s done all tournament: show up in the big moment.
Semifinals next. For England, the dream is alive. For Bellingham, the coronation may just be starting.
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