Norway vs England World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final Preview
The quarter-final between Norway and England is set to take place on July 11, 2026, at 17:00 EST (22:00 GMT) in Miami. This match promises to be exciting as two of the world's top strikers go head-to-head, with a spot in the semi-finals at stake.
How Both Teams Reached This Stage
Norway has brought flair and energy to this tournament, backed by passionate fans known for their chants and celebrations. Their campaign has been high-scoring, with 21 goals in five matches. The highlight came in the Round of 16 when Norway stunned Brazil 2-1, thanks to another brace from Erling Haaland.
England faced a tough test against Mexico, playing over 40 minutes with 10 men yet still securing a 3-2 victory in a thrilling encounter. This marks their fifth consecutive quarter-final appearance at major tournaments.
Key Players To Watch
Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, aims to extend his impressive tally of seven goals in his first World Cup. Supported by Arsenal's playmaker Martin Ødegaard, Haaland boasts 112 Premier League goals in 132 games and scores almost once every 71 minutes internationally. He’s found the net in his last 14 international matches, scoring 27 times during that span. Scoring here would make him the first European since Gerd Müller in 1970 to score in his first five World Cup games.
Harry Kane leads England’s attack and recently became the country's second most-capped player after surpassing Wayne Rooney, sitting behind only Peter Shilton. With 85 international goals, Kane is one of the top strikers globally aside from Haaland. He will seek to erase memories of a missed penalty in the 2022 quarter-final against France.
Team News and Probable Lineups
Norway may be without full-back David Møller Wolfe, who left the Brazil game early. Their likely starting XI includes Nyland in goal; Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, and Møller Wolfe across defense; Ødegaard, Berge, and Berg in midfield; and Sørloth, Haaland, and Nusa up front.
England will miss Jarell Quansah due to a red card and Jordan Henderson following a wrist injury sustained during celebrations. Pickford is expected in goal; Spence, Guehi, Konsa, and O’Reilly form the defense; Rice and Anderson sit in midfield; with Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon supporting Kane upfront.
Statistics and Records
- England has lost five of its last six World Cup knockout matches against European teams.
- In 11 of Norway’s last 12 games, both teams managed to score.
- Norway’s last six competitive matches featured goals scored after the 85th minute.
Squad Overviews
Norway won four of their last five matches, losing only once to France 4-1 during the group stage. They bounced back by defeating Senegal and Ivory Coast before knocking out Brazil. They scored 10 goals and conceded 10 across those games.
England won four out of five recent matches, drawing only with Ghana 0-0 in the group stage. They recorded victories against Croatia, Panama, DR Congo, and Mexico, scoring 11 goals and conceding six.
Head-to-Head History
The two nations have met twice before, both times in friendlies, with England winning each 1-0. The latest was in September 2014, and the earlier in May 2012. Neither match featured multiple goals or draws.
