Norway stun England as Schjelderup strikes first in Miami

Last updated: 12 July 2026, 7:43am AEST

Australian viewers waking for the World Cup quarter-final have been rewarded with an early upset, as Norway took a 1-0 lead over England in Miami. Andreas Schjelderup scored in the 36th minute after England lost possession near halfway and stopped to appeal for a foul. The match is available live and free in Australia through SBS and SBS On Demand.

The Backstory

The quarter-final brought together two teams with contrasting paths through the tournament. England entered after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, while Norway arrived with confidence after eliminating Brazil 2-1 in the previous round.

Norway's campaign has been built around Erling Haaland, but their threat has extended beyond their star striker. Before the match, reporting from The Guardian's Norway preview showed the side ranked fourth among tournament teams for big chances created and fifth for expected goals, a measure of the quality of scoring opportunities. Schjelderup had already demonstrated his value by creating Haaland's opening goal against Brazil.

Conditions were expected to influence the contest. SBS reported a Miami temperature of 31C with a feels-like reading close to 40C before kick-off, prompting hydration breaks. The heat encouraged both teams to manage their movement carefully rather than press relentlessly from the opening whistle.

Here's What Happened

England controlled possession during the opening half-hour and repeatedly tried to progress through Anthony Gordon on the left and Noni Madueke on the right. Their best early opening came when Elliot Anderson delivered a low cross towards Jude Bellingham, but the midfielder could not make decisive contact.

Set pieces offered further opportunities, although Declan Rice struggled to clear the first defender with several deliveries. Harry Kane also sent a free kick over the crossbar after Bellingham was fouled near the edge of the penalty area.

The match changed in the 36th minute. Patrick Berg dispossessed Kane near the centre circle, while England's players paused and appealed for a foul. Norway continued, allowing Schjelderup to advance from the left and send a curling ball across Jordan Pickford. It struck the inside of the far post and crossed the line.

The goal shifted the momentum immediately. Alexander Sørloth sent an effort over the bar, Martin Ødegaard tried his luck from the edge of the area, and England suddenly looked vulnerable after spending much of the opening period in control. Follow the continuing score and match events through ABC's live World Cup coverage.

What People Are Saying

Australian live coverage described England as shellshocked after conceding against the run of play. The key argument surrounded Kane losing possession before the goal, but the referee allowed the attack to continue and there was no lengthy video review.

Before kick-off, England coach Thomas Tuchel said his side needed to limit Norway's physical front line, compete strongly at set pieces and spend more time in the opposition half. Norway coach Ståle Solbakken had already shown his willingness to make tactical adjustments, introducing Schjelderup during the victory over Brazil before selecting him from the start against England.

The Bigger Picture

The winner will move into the second World Cup semi-final, scheduled for Thursday, against the winner of Argentina and Switzerland. Spain and France are already set to meet in the other semi-final on Wednesday.

For Australian audiences, the match also highlights SBS's central role in free-to-air World Cup access. SBS said all 104 tournament matches are available through its On Demand hub, giving viewers a legal streaming option alongside the television broadcast.

On the pitch, Norway's lead shows why England cannot focus solely on Haaland. By drawing defenders towards their central striker and using runners from wide areas, Norway can create space for players such as Schjelderup. England now need to recover their composure without becoming exposed to counterattacks in the heat.

The Road Ahead

England must find an equaliser while protecting against Norway's improving pressure. With the contest still in progress, the final score and semi-final opponent have not yet been determined.

Argentina and Switzerland are scheduled to play later on Sunday morning Australian time, with their winner facing the victor from this match.