Bellingham's Brace Lifts England Past Norway Into World Cup Semifinals Amid Sky-Cam Controversy

Bellingham's Brace Lifts England Past Norway Into World Cup Semifinals Amid Sky-Cam Controversy

England advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Midfielder Jude Bellingham emerged as the hero for the Three Lions, scoring both of his team's goals to set up a semifinal clash in Atlanta.

Norway, a tournament breakout squad led by Erling Haaland, took the lead in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup scored off a rebounded shot. However, England equalized late in the first half through Bellingham and eventually found the winner in the third minute of extra time¹² when Bellingham struck again.

The match was not without intense controversy. Moments before Bellingham's first-half equalizer, a Norway goal kick appeared to make contact with an aerial sky-cam cable before falling to England's Elliot Anderson, who played it to Bellingham for the goal. Under FIFA rules, play should have been halted for a drop ball, prompting furious protests from Norway manager Ståle Solbakken. Additionally, Norway had a potential go-ahead goal by Torbjørn Heggem disallowed in the 56th minute following a VAR review that ruled Haaland had committed a foul in the penalty box.

With this victory, England is one win away from returning to the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.

"Bellingham's goal was his second of the game — he also had an equalizer late in the first half... Moments before Bellingham evened the score, a Norway goal kick resulted in the ball appearing to make contact with an aerial camera cable before landing at the feet of England’s Elliot Anderson."