England and Norway battle for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
England and Norway will battle for a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they meet in a fascinating quarter-final clash at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Both nations arrive full of confidence after impressive last-16 victories. England survived a spirited fightback from co-hosts Mexico to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory, while Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil with a memorable 2-1 triumph inspired by an Erling Haaland brace.
Match Preview
England have quietly grown into the tournament after a mixed group-stage campaign. Thomas Tuchel’s side have found another gear in the knockout rounds, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane helping them overcome Mexico in one of the competition’s most entertaining matches.
The Three Lions remain unbeaten at the tournament and possess one of the deepest squads left in the competition.
Kane continues to lead the Golden Boot race with six goals, while Bellingham has added four goals from midfield, giving England multiple attacking threats capable of deciding tight encounters.
Norway, meanwhile, have become the surprise package of the World Cup. After progressing from a difficult group, Stale Solbakken’s men produced arguably the biggest shock of the tournament by eliminating Brazil.
Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland saved an early penalty before Haaland struck twice late on to send the South Americans crashing out.
Captain Martin Odegaard has controlled games from midfield, while Norway’s defensive organisation has improved significantly throughout the tournament. Confidence within the squad is soaring, although Solbakken has warned his players against becoming carried away after the historic victory over Brazil.
Team News
England are expected to have a fully fit squad available, with no fresh injury concerns reported following the win over Mexico.
Kane should once again lead the attack, supported by Bellingham and Bukayo Saka.
Norway also received a timely boost ahead of the quarter-final. Solbakken confirmed that captain Odegaard has recovered after briefly feeling unwell earlier in the week, while the rest of the squad is fully fit.
Haaland will spearhead the attack, with Alexander Sorloth providing support alongside Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb.
Predicted XI
Norway Predicted XI
Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Berg, Berge; Bobb, Odegaard, Schjelderup; Haaland
England Predicted XI
Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Burn, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Score Prediction
Norway 1-2 England.
