Norway will bid to continue one of the great stories of the 2026 World Cup on Saturday when they face England at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, with a pla
Norway will bid to continue one of the great stories of the 2026 World Cup on Saturday when they face England at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, with a place in the semi-finals on the line.
Ståle Solbakken’s side are already making history simply by reaching this stage, having gone further than any previous Norwegian team by finishing as runners-up to France in the group stage before eliminating Côte d’Ivoire and then five-time champions Brazil in the last 16.
The story of Norway’s run has been Erling Haaland, who has scored seven goals in four games and is competing in the race for the Golden Boot alongside Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi.
The Manchester City striker was the hero once again in the win over Brazil, scoring an incredible brace to send Norway into uncharted territory, and a goal on Saturday would make him the first European player to score in his first five World Cup matches since West Germany’s Gerd Müller in 1970.
Captain Martin Ødegaard has been just as central to the effort, with his manager crediting him for setting the tone from midfield and leading Norway’s press.
England, meanwhile, topped Group L and have shown their trademark knockout-stage resilience to reach the last eight.
Thomas Tuchel’s side fought back from a goal down to beat DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32 through two late Harry Kane goals, then survived playing over 40 minutes with ten men to edge co-hosts Mexico 3-2, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice.
England will be without the suspended Jarell Quansah after his red card against Mexico, while Jordan Henderson has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament following wrist surgery.
The most decisive duel could come between Haaland and England’s centre-back pairing of John Stones and Marc Guéhi, with the Three Lions likely to build much of their defensive plan around containing the Norwegian striker.
Norway’s defence has also been vulnerable, conceding in every match at the tournament so far, which could open the door for Kane and Bellingham to continue their fine form in front of goal.
With both sides unbeaten in five outings — aside from Norway’s 4-1 defeat to France — this quarter-final promises goals at both ends, with the winner advancing to face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals.
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