Norway and England secured their places in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, delivering two compelling performances that set the stage for a highly anticipated matchup in the next round. Norway stunned Brazil with a 2-1 victory, powered by a double from star striker Erling Haaland, while England survived a tense 3-2 win over Mexico at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Haaland’s two goals in East Rutherford, New Jersey, proved decisive as Norway handed Brazil an early exit from the tournament. The Norwegian striker, widely regarded as one of the world’s top talents, showcased his clinical finishing ability, scoring once in each half to give his team a commanding lead. Brazil managed to pull one back late in the match, but Norway’s defense held firm to secure the upset. After the final whistle, Haaland and his teammates celebrated by performing a Viking Row, a traditional Nordic gesture that has become a signature of the team’s success under pressure.
England’s path to the quarterfinals was far more dramatic. Playing in front of 87,500 fans at Estadio Azteca, the Three Lions faced a hostile atmosphere but responded with a ruthless attacking display. Jude Bellingham scored twice in a stunning two-minute span during the first half, leaving Mexico’s defense disoriented. Harry Kane added a third goal from the penalty spot in the second half, after Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel fouled Anthony Gordon inside the area. Despite being reduced to 10 men following a red card to defender Jarell Quansah, England held on for a gritty victory. Mexico’s Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez each scored to keep the match close, but England’s resilience proved decisive.
The victory marked a historic moment for England, as it handed Mexico its first-ever World Cup defeat at Estadio Azteca, a venue where El Tri had previously been unbeaten in tournament play. The match was an instant classic, with momentum swinging back and forth. After Quansah’s red card in the 53rd minute, Mexico appeared to have the upper hand, but a costly error by Rangel gave England a penalty that Kane calmly converted. Mexico responded with a penalty of their own, converted by Jimenez, but England’s defense absorbed relentless pressure in the final minutes to secure the win.
Bellingham’s performance added to his growing reputation as one of the game’s brightest young stars. The 23-year-old midfielder, who has been a key figure for England throughout the tournament, now joins an elite group of players who have scored multiple goals in a World Cup knockout match for the national team. His two goals in the first half set the tone for England’s victory and silenced the raucous Mexican crowd.
Norway’s triumph over Brazil was equally significant. Brazil, a five-time World Cup champion, entered the match as favorites but struggled to contain Haaland’s physicality and movement. The Norwegian team, which has often been overshadowed by traditional powerhouses, demonstrated tactical discipline and composure under pressure. Haaland’s brace not only secured the win but also cemented his status as a superstar on the global stage, with fans and analysts praising his ability to deliver in high-stakes moments.
The two victories mean that Norway and England will now face each other in the quarterfinals at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The match is scheduled for a 5 p.m. ET kickoff and will be broadcast on Fox and Telemundo. Both teams will enter the contest with confidence, but the matchup presents a fascinating contrast in styles. Norway will rely on Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess and a disciplined defensive structure, while England will look to their midfield creativity and depth to control the game.
For Norway, reaching the quarterfinals represents a major achievement for a nation that has not traditionally been a World Cup contender. The team’s run has captured the imagination of fans back home, with Haaland emerging as the face of a new generation of Norwegian football. England, meanwhile, will aim to build on their dramatic victory and continue their pursuit of a first World Cup title since 1966. The quarterfinal clash promises to be one of the most compelling matches of the tournament, with both teams eager to take another step toward glory.
