Bellingham scores twice as England beat Norway 2-1 to reach World Cup semis

Jude Bellingham scored twice, including a goal in extra-time, to lead England to a 2-1 victory over Norway in the World Cup quarterfinals. Norway took an early lead through Andreas Schjelderup, but Bellingham equalized before halftime. A second Norwegian goal was disallowed by VAR. Bellingham's decisive second goal came in extra-time after a mistake by Norway's goalkeeper. This win sends England to the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 2018. The match was played in challenging heat conditions in Miami. England will face Argentina or Switzerland in the semifinals.

England captain Harry Kane described Norway's Erling Haaland as a "machine" and a "beast" ahead of their World Cup quarterfinal clash. Both prolific strikers are aiming to lead their teams to the semifinals. Kane acknowledged their differing playing styles, with himself preferring more involvement in build-up play while Haaland is a more direct finisher. Haaland has scored seven goals in the tournament, while Kane is one behind him with 14 World Cup goals overall. Norway's coach, Stale Solbakken, stated that the match will largely depend on the performance of these two key players. This quarterfinal marks Norway's first major tournament appearance in 26 years, and both teams are focused on advancing.

England will face Norway in the World Cup quarterfinals, with the primary focus on stopping Norway's star striker, Erling Haaland. Haaland has scored seven goals in the tournament, making him a significant threat England must neutralize. The match also features a striker showdown between Haaland and England's Harry Kane. Norway enters the game with less pressure, while England faces high expectations. Both teams advanced dramatically, with Norway defeating Brazil and England overcoming Mexico. England also has injury concerns and a suspension impacting their lineup. The winner will advance to the semifinals to play either Argentina or Switzerland.

Today, July 11, 2026, marks the final two World Cup quarterfinals, with England facing Norway and Argentina playing Switzerland for semifinal berths. France and Spain have already advanced. According to the Opta supercomputer, England has a 62.3% chance of progressing against Norway, while Argentina is favored with a 69.4% probability of advancing past Switzerland. The article also notes Portugal's hiring of Jorge Jesus as their new coach and the unexpected rise of Norwegian striker Erling Haaland as an honorary Mexican hero on social media.

Norway will face England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals in Miami on Saturday, July 11. Norway, considered dark horses, have reached this stage for the first time in their history, with striker Erling Haaland being a standout performer and challenging for the Golden Boot. England, title contenders, topped their group and advanced after a comeback win and a victory against Mexico. Despite defensive concerns, England is favored due to their experience and the attacking prowess of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Haaland's popularity has surged during the tournament, contributing to Norway's unexpected success.

Thousands of fans welcomed Egypt's national soccer team home on Friday at el-Alamein airport following their World Cup exit. The team reached the Round of 16 for the first time, a milestone acknowledged by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. Despite the warm reception, the Egyptian Football Association expressed dissatisfaction with the refereeing and VAR decisions during their 3-2 loss to Argentina. Coach Hossam Hassan and players also criticized the officiating after Argentina's comeback. FIFA's head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, later stated that unfounded allegations against officials have no place in the sport.

England faces Norway in a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal match in Miami on Saturday night. Norway, considered dark horses, reached this stage by defeating Brazil, marking their first knockout stage wins since 1998. The game features a key Golden Boot race showdown between Norway's Erling Haaland and England's Harry Kane, both prolific scorers. A significant factor will be England's strategy to contain Haaland, with Newcastle defender Dan Burn noted for his past success in physical duels against him. The midfield battle between Norway's Martin Odegaard and England's Declan Rice is also highlighted as crucial.

FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has denied claims of bias in the Argentina-Egypt World Cup match, where Argentina won 3-2. Following Egypt's complaint about the officiating after their defeat, Collina stated that match officials operate with complete independence and make honest decisions. He emphasized that while constructive discussion about decisions is normal, unfounded allegations questioning referees' integrity are unacceptable and can lead to threats against them and their families. Collina asserted that no one, not even the FIFA president, can influence FIFA refereeing.

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has stated it "cannot remain silent" following their 3-2 loss to Argentina in the World Cup round of 16. The EFA alleges unfair and biased officiating contributed to the defeat, citing specific incidents where they believe the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was not used appropriately. Egypt's coach, Hossam Hassan, and players also criticized the refereeing after Argentina scored three goals in 13 minutes to secure a comeback victory. The EFA emphasized its responsibility to defend the national team's rights and interests. FIFA's chief of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, responded by stating that unfounded allegations have no place in the sport and that the integrity of World Cup match officials is unquestionable.

Argentina will face Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 on Tuesday, July 7th, at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, USA. This match features a highly anticipated duel between star forwards Lionel Messi of Argentina and Mohamed Salah of Egypt. Argentina topped Group J with a perfect record and advanced after a tough extra-time victory against Cape Verde. Egypt secured second place in Group G and progressed by winning a penalty shootout against Australia, marking their first-ever knockout stage appearance. Both teams are coming off grueling matches, raising concerns about player fatigue. The Opta supercomputer predicts Argentina has a 69.1% chance of winning in regulation time.

Egypt's national football team achieved a historic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Australia in a World Cup knockout match, securing their first-ever win in this stage of the tournament. Following the match, Egypt's coach, Hossam Hassan, dedicated the win to the people of Palestine. Fans in Gaza celebrated Egypt's victory, with screenings held amidst bombed buildings. Hassan expressed his hope for Palestinian victory and mercy for their martyrs, carrying both Egyptian and Palestinian flags onto the pitch. This win advances Egypt to a last-16 clash against either Argentina or Cape Verde.

Egypt's national football coach, Hossam Hassan, waved a Palestinian flag on the field after his team's World Cup victory over Australia in the round of 32. Hassan stated he was dedicating the win to both Egyptians and Palestinians, expressing his deep connection to them. The emotional postgame gesture, captured in a viral video, occurred after Egypt secured a 4-2 penalty shootout win following a 1-1 draw. This act of solidarity comes amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza and follows similar expressions from other athletes. FIFA's stance on political statements during matches has been restrictive in the past, though it's unclear if any action will be taken against Hassan.

Egypt's head coach, Hossam Hassan, stated that a confrontation between himself, team director Ibrahim Hassan, and a Dallas police officer at their hotel is resolved. The incident, which occurred before Egypt's World Cup match against Australia, involved an argument over a player interacting with a fan. Video showed a physical altercation between Ibrahim Hassan and the officer. Dallas police confirmed they responded to a security request regarding an unauthorized individual and stated the issue was resolved on-site. Hassan indicated the team accepted an apology from the police and expressed satisfaction with the tournament's security.

Egypt has made history by reaching the World Cup last 16 for the first time, defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra time in Texas. Emam Ashour scored for Egypt in the 13th minute, but an own goal by Mohamed Hany equalized for Australia in the second half. Both teams, having never won a knockout game before, went to extra time. In the penalty shootout, Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the decisive penalty for Egypt, while Australia missed two crucial kicks. Egypt's victory sets up a potential last-16 clash with Lionel Messi's Argentina, provided Argentina defeats Cape Verde.

Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout after their World Cup round of 32 match ended in a 1-1 draw. The game, held in Arlington, Texas on Friday, July 3, 2026, went into extra time after Egypt's Emam Ashour scored in the 13th minute and Australia equalized in the 55th minute due to an own-goal by Egypt's Mohamed Hany. Hany became the first player to score two own-goals in the same World Cup tournament. In the shootout, Egypt's Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the decisive penalty. Australia's goalkeeper Mathew Ryan did not save any of Egypt's four penalty kicks. This victory marks Egypt's debut in the World Cup knockout round, while Australia remains winless in the knockout stage.