FIFA forced to respond after Bellinghamâs controversial goal in Englandâs World Cup quarterfinal win over Norway
Englandâs extra-time win over Norway in the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals has ignited major controversy, with Jude Bellinghamâs first-half equaliser prompting such an uproar that FIFA issued a formal response. The result sends England into the semifinals and ends Norwayâs historic run, but the debate over the goal and VARâs role is now one of the tournamentâs defining storylines.
FIFA addresses EnglandâNorway quarterfinal controversy as Bellingham brace sends Three Lions to semis
Englandâs extraâtime quarterfinal win over Norway has become the defining flashpoint of the World Cupâs latest knockout round, with FIFA forced to respond after a contentious goal by Jude Bellingham sparked widespread uproar.
England edge Norway in dramatic extra time
England advanced to the World Cup 2026 semifinals with a 2-1 victory over Norway after extra time in their quarterfinal clash, a result that ended Norwayâs historic run at the tournament and kept the Three Lionsâ title hopes alive.
According to SBS, Bellingham was once again Englandâs matchâwinner, scoring twice as his side came from behind to book a lastâfour berth.
"Jude Bellingham was England's hero once more by scoring twice as the Three Lions came from behind to end Norway's historic run and reach the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win after extra time," SBS reported.
The win sends England into a semifinal against Argentina or Switzerland, with a place in their first World Cup final in six decades on the line.
The goal that ignited a firestorm
Much of the fallout has centred on Bellinghamâs firstâhalf equaliser, which quickly became one of the tournamentâs most debated moments.
As detailed by the Hindustan Times, England âsurvived a major scareâ to win the tie, but the postâmatch discussion focused on whether Bellinghamâs initial goal should have stood.