The FIFA World Cup 2026™ quarter final match at Miami Stadium came to an exciting conclusion, with England winning against Norway 2-1 in extra time after overturning their goal deficit. As England celebrates their historic qualification for the semi-finals, the Norwegian side is boiling with anger due to two decisions made during the game which dramatically changed its outcome.
The Camera Cable & VAR Controversies
The match was characterized by controversies from the first half when Andreas Schjelderup made a clinical strike to give Norway a lead in the 36th minute. Just seconds before the end of the first half, England leveled the scoreline through a powerful run and a composed finish from Jude Bellingham.
However, there were fierce protests from the Norway players following the equalizer. In some pictures and video footage available, it appears as if the ball in the initial goal-kick touched the overhead aerial cables before going straight to England's possession. According to the laws of the game, play should have stopped for a drop ball. Even though Norway's coach was furious, the statement from FIFA revealed that their Connected Ball system indicated no contact at all.
The frustrations grew even more in the 55th minute when it appeared Torbjørn Heggem gave Norway the lead with a goal from a corner kick, only for VAR to overturn the decision and cancel the goal as Erling Haaland fouled Elliot Anderson. After the match ended, Alf-Inge Haaland took to social media to harshly criticize the referee.
Bellingham Seals the Semifinals
Given that Erling Haaland was nullified by the English backline and replaced near the end of normal time, the game had to go into extra time. Within the three minutes of extra time, replacement player Morgan Rogers launched a thunderous effort from distance. The hard-struck shot was saved by Ørjan Nyland of Norway but fell to Jude Bellingham, who duly netted the 93rd-minute winner.
England’s Next Match: 2026 World Cup Semifinal Schedule
With the quarterfinals phase behind us, it is time to celebrate and move on to the next phase with Thomas Tuchel’s English side. For those interested in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals, it will be played on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, when England plays its game in Atlanta Stadium. After Jude Bellingham scored a goal each for the 2-1 victory over Norway, the Three Lions need only one more win before making it to the final game of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
