Norway vs England World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final Preview

The quarter-final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Norway and England is set for July 11 at 17:00 EST (22:00 GMT) at the Miami Stadium. This showdown promises excitement with two of the world’s top strikers leading their teams.

Road to the Quarter-Finals

Norway has impressed with lively performances, thrilling fans with their chants and energetic celebrations. Their campaign has seen a total of 21 goals across five matches. The highlight came with a 2-1 victory over Brazil in the Round of 16, powered by a brace from Erling Haaland.

England battled through adversity in their Round of 16 clash against Mexico, surviving over 40 minutes with ten men to win 3-2 in a gripping encounter at Estadio Azteca. This marks the fifth consecutive major tournament where England has reached the quarter-finals.

Key Players to Watch

Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, has been a scoring machine, netting seven goals in his first World Cup appearance. His Premier League record is impressive, with 112 goals in 132 games. Haaland’s scoring rate for Norway is extraordinary: 62 goals in 51 appearances, scoring roughly every 71 minutes. He has found the net in his last 14 internationals, tallying 27 goals during that span. 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.

Harry Kane leads England as their top striker and has recently become the player with the second-most England caps, surpassing Wayne Rooney with 120 appearances, trailing only Peter Shilton. With 85 goals for England, Kane is considered one of the best forwards worldwide, aside from Haaland.

Team Updates

Norway faces uncertainty over full-back David Møller Wolfe, who was injured against Brazil. England will miss Jarell Quansah due to a red card suspension, and Jordan Henderson is out with a wrist injury sustained in celebrations after the Mexico match.

Likely Starting Lineups

• Norway: Nyland; Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Møller Wolfe; Ødegaard, Berge, Berg; Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa.
• England: Pickford; Spence, Guehi, Konsa, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

Statistical Insights

• England has lost five of their last six World Cup knockout games against European opponents.
• Both teams have scored in eleven of Norway’s last twelve matches.
• Norway has seen goals after the 85th minute in six consecutive competitive games.

Squad Overview

Form Guide

Norway has won four of their last five World Cup games, including wins over Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Brazil, with their only recent loss a 4-1 defeat by France. They have scored and conceded 10 goals each during these matches.

England boasts four wins in five matches, drawing only against Ghana. Their victories include Croatia, Panama, DR Congo, and Mexico. They have scored 11 goals and allowed six in this stretch.

Head-to-Head History

The two teams have met twice before, both friendlies. England won both 1-0 games, one in September 2014 and another in May 2012. These matches were tightly contested, low-scoring affairs.

Group Stage Results

Norway finished second in Group I, while England topped Group L, moving into the knockout stage as group winners.