MIAMI (United States) — Norway and England will battle for a place in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they meet at the Miami Stadium on Saturday.
Norway recorded arguably their greatest ever result by defeating five-time World Cup winners Brazil 2-1 in a Round of 16 clash in New Jersey on Sunday – with Erling Haaland scoring two late goals.
The Vikings have no major injury concerns, especially after defender Julian Ryerson successfully recovered from a thigh injury to feature against Brazil.
Key stars Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, and Alexander Sørloth, are fully fit and available.
England, meanwhile, showed immense character and class to overcome Mexico 3-2 in arguably the best game of the tournament on Monday.
A brace from Jude Bellingham and a second-half penalty from Harry Kane saw the Three Lions past a wide range of difficult circumstances, including playing at altitude, Mexico’s incredible record in their national stadium, and a red card for Jarell Quansah.
England will be without Quansah due to suspension, as well as Jordan Henderson, who suffered a bizarre injury in post-match celebrations, AFP reported.
Quansah’s absence deepens the problems at right-back, where Reece James remains doubtful and Djed Spence has also had an injury cloud hanging over him.
Norway coach Stale Solbakken:
“This is a great group [of players], they love being together, they train well, they help each other and protect each other. We have a strong culture and we give the opportunity to let people to be themselves and say whatever they want, and that’s a very important part of the whole thing, when things go well and when things go not so well.”
Players to watch
Norway – Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland has further underlined his reputation as perhaps the best outright No 9 in world football, scoring seven goals in just four games at the global tournament – including a brace of goals to secure the Vikings a famous win over Brazil.
England – Harry Kane
Harry Kane is England’s captain, highest scorer and all-round clutch player – without him, the Three Lions would already have gone home. The Bayern Munich forward will look to outshine Erling Haaland and take his team to the semifinals.
Head-To-Head
Norway and England have met in 12 previous matches, with the Three Lions claiming seven wins compared to two for the Vikings, while three games have been drawn.
The teams’ most recent clash was a friendly at Wembley Stadium in 2014 which England won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Wayne Rooney.
