Norway vs England World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final Preview
The clash between Norway and England is set for July 11, 2026, at 17:00 EST (22:00 GMT) at the Miami Stadium. Both teams will battle for a spot in the semi-finals, showcasing two of the world’s finest strikers.
Path to This Stage
Norway has brought excitement throughout the tournament, their fans creating a lively atmosphere with passionate chants and celebrations. The team’s matches have been high-scoring, netting 21 goals in five games. Their highlight came with a 2-1 victory over Brazil in the Round of 16, powered by another brace from Erling Haaland.
England faced a tough test against Mexico in the Round of 16, playing over 40 minutes with ten men yet managing a 3-2 win in a thrilling encounter. This marks England’s fifth consecutive quarter-final appearance in major tournaments.
Key Players to Watch
For Norway, Erling Haaland remains the focal point. The Manchester City forward has scored seven goals in his first World Cup and boasts 112 Premier League goals from 132 matches. Haaland has a remarkable scoring rate for Norway too, with 62 goals in 51 appearances and goals in his last 14 internationals. A goal in this match would make him the first European since Gerd Müller in 1970 to score in his first five World Cup games.
England relies heavily on Harry Kane, who recently became England’s second most-capped player with 120 appearances, trailing only Peter Shilton. With 85 international goals, Kane aims to overcome the memory of a missed penalty in the 2022 quarter-final against France. He stands as one of the top strikers alongside Haaland.
Team News
Norway may be without full-back David Møller Wolfe after he was forced off against Brazil. On the England side, Jarell Quansah’s red card rules him out, and Jordan Henderson is sidelined due to a wrist injury sustained during celebrations versus Mexico.
Statistical Insights
- England has lost five of its last six World Cup knockout matches against European opponents.
- In eleven of Norway’s last twelve games, both teams found the net.
- Norway has scored late goals frequently, with six of their last competitive matches seeing goals after the 85th minute.
Squad Overview
Norway’s 26-man squad includes goalkeepers Nyland, Selvik, and Tangvik; defenders Ryerson, Pedersen, Møller Wolfe, Bjorkan, Ajer, Heggem, Ostigard, Langas, and Falchener; midfielders Ødegaard, Berge, Aursnes, Berg, Thorstvedt, Thorsby, and Aasgaard; forwards Haaland, Sørloth, Larsen, Nusa, Bobb, Schjelderup, and Hauge.
England’s 26-man squad features goalkeepers Henderson, Pickford, and Trafford; defenders Burn, Guehi, James, Konsa, Livramento, O’Reilly, Quansah, Spence, and Stones; midfielders Anderson, Bellingham, Eze, Henderson, Mainoo, Rice, and Rogers; forwards Gordon, Kane, Madueke, Rashford, Saka, Toney, and Watkins.
Coaching and Injuries
Norway’s coach Staale Solbakken has not announced a probable starting eleven. No new injuries or suspensions have been confirmed. England’s manager Thomas Tuchel must cope without Jordan Henderson, who is out after surgery for a wrist injury. No other absences have been reported yet.
Recent Form
Norway won four of their last five World Cup matches, losing only once to France 4-1 in the group stage. They bounced back with wins over Senegal and Ivory Coast, then eliminated Brazil. Across those games, Norway scored and conceded 10 goals each, showing balance in attack and defense.
England claimed victory in four of their last five matches, drawing 0-0 with Ghana. They beat Croatia, Panama, DR Congo, and Mexico while scoring 11 goals and conceding six.
Head-to-Head
The teams met twice before, with England winning both friendlies 1-0 — once in 2012 in Norway and again in 2014 at home. Both matches were tight and low scoring.
Group Stage Recap
Norway finished second in Group I, and England topped Group L, advancing to the knockout rounds as group winners.
