England’s national soccer team advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norway in Miami Gardens, Florida. The match ended Norway’s historic tournament run, which marked their best performance in men’s World Cup history. Jude Bellingham was the standout player for England, scoring twice, including the winning goal in extra time. Norway’s star striker Erling Haaland, who gained significant U.S. celebrity status during the tournament, saw his team eliminated after a tightly contested game marked by several controversial referee calls.

The match was played under difficult conditions with heavy humidity and temperatures near 90 degrees, impacting both teams' performances. Norway scored first via Andreas Schjelderup, but Bellingham’s equalizer, which sparked debate due to a possible interference with a camera cable, kept England in the game. Despite a Norway goal being called back after a foul by Haaland, the score remained tied at the end of regulation, leading to extra time where Bellingham ultimately sealed England’s victory. Haaland was substituted before the second period of extra time as his team ran out of chances.

This win sets England up for a semifinal against either Switzerland or Argentina, with the tournament continuing its focus on traditional soccer powerhouses. England’s prize money for reaching this stage could range between $28 million and $51 million, while Norway earns $20 million from their quarterfinal appearance. The semifinal will be in Atlanta, marking another American city hosting key World Cup matches amid ongoing logistical challenges for fans traveling to venues lacking centralized and accessible public transportation.

The tournament’s quarterfinals have spotlighted some of the world’s most recognized soccer nations, reinforcing the sport’s global reach and commercial appeal. Meanwhile, England celebrated the victory by connecting with fans emotionally through their post-match rendition of “Wonderwall.” The semifinal line-up continues to include top FIFA-ranked teams, underscoring the competitive excellence and financial stakes driving the 2026 expanded 48-team World Cup format.