World Cup 2026 news: Jude Bellingham delivers another masterclass with brace vs Norway
Jude Bellingham once again proved England's match-winner as his extra-time brace inspired a dramatic 2-1 victory over Norway in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, July 11, sending the Three Lions into the last four.
After another tense knockout encounter at Hard Rock Stadium, Bellingham produced two moments of brilliance to overcome Erling Haaland's Norway and book England a mouth-watering semi-final against defending champions Argentina.
The performance further strengthened the 23-year-old's growing reputation as one of the defining players of the tournament, with England now just one victory away from another World Cup final.
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Bellingham delivers when England need him most
England have repeatedly found different heroes throughout their World Cup campaign, but Bellingham is increasingly becoming the player who defines their biggest moments.
His two goals against Norway once again changed the course of a knockout tie, continuing a remarkable trend throughout the tournament.
According to Sky Sports, five of Bellingham's six World Cup goals before this match had either drawn England level or put them ahead, underlining his ability to influence matches when the pressure is greatest.
The midfielder's composure, timing of his runs and willingness to embrace responsibility have become hallmarks of England's run to the semi-finals.
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History continues to follow England star
Bellingham's latest display also placed him alongside some of football's greatest names.
His tally of six non-penalty goals at a World Cup is now level with Gary Lineker's England record from the 1986 tournament, while his seven World Cup goals before turning 24 draws him level with Pelé.
Only Kylian Mbappé has scored more World Cup goals at that age, with 12.
Perhaps most remarkably, Bellingham became the first player since Diego Maradona to score braces in consecutive World Cup knockout matches.
Those statistics underline just how extraordinary his tournament has become.
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Norway bow out with heads held high
Norway's World Cup journey comes to an end, but Ståle Solbakken's side leave the tournament having exceeded expectations.
Having famously eliminated Brazil in the previous round through Erling Haaland's heroics, Norway again competed strongly against one of Europe's elite before eventually being undone by another individual moment of brilliance.
Haaland remained a constant threat throughout the contest, but England's organisation and midfield quality ultimately proved decisive over 120 minutes.
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Argentina await in blockbuster semi-final
England's reward is a heavyweight semi-final against reigning world champions Argentina.
The prospect of Bellingham facing Lionel Messi on the biggest stage promises one of the most compelling matches of the tournament, with both nations now just one win away from the World Cup final.
If England are to continue their remarkable run, they will once again look to Bellingham.
Based on everything he has produced so far this summer, few would bet against him delivering another defining moment.
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