England Beat Norway in Extra Time to Reach World Cup Semifinals

England's football team has reached the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic extra-time victory over Norway. The match ended 1-1 in regular time, but England took the lead in the third minute of extra time.

Norway opened the scoring in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup fired the ball into the net from a sharp angle at the edge of the penalty area – the shot hit the post and went in. Shortly after, Norway had a chance to double their lead when Alexander Sørloth broke through with the ball, with Erling Haaland running alongside him. However, Sørloth chose to shoot instead of passing to Haaland, and the attack fizzled out.

At the end of the first half, Jude Bellingham dribbled past the entire Norwegian defense and equalized from a difficult angle. In the second half, Norway took control, and in the 57th minute, a goal from a corner was disallowed after a VAR review because Haaland had pushed Elliot Anderson before the kick. In the 77th minute, Kristoffer Ajer headed against the crossbar.

Late in regular time, England had a chance when Bukayo Saka beat several opponents and crossed the ball, but no teammate could reach it. In extra time, England started stronger, and in the third minute, Morgan Rogers struck from distance, the goalkeeper parried the ball, and Bellingham scored the rebound. Shortly after, England earned a penalty, but the decision was overturned after VAR review. England held on to secure the win.

This is the fourth time England has reached the World Cup semifinals. They will face the winner of the quarterfinal between Argentina and Switzerland. In the other semifinal, France will play Spain.

The 2026 tournament is the first to be held in three countries – the United States, Mexico, and Canada – and features 48 teams.