Norway vs. England today: Schjelderup gives Norway an early lead

Last updated: July 11, 2026, 5:42 p.m. EDT

U.S. viewers tuning in on FOX saw the first 2026 World Cup quarterfinal swing sharply against England despite an opening spell played mostly on England’s terms. Andreas Schjelderup put Norway ahead in the 36th minute, striking from a tight angle after Martin Odegaard helped turn an England midfield turnover into a fast attack. The goal left Norway leading 1-0 in Miami, with a semifinal place against Argentina or Switzerland at stake.

Context & Background

Norway entered the match on the strongest World Cup run in its history. The team reached its first tournament since 1998 and then advanced to its first quarterfinal, beating Ivory Coast 2-1 before eliminating Brazil 2-1. Erling Haaland scored both goals against Brazil and began the quarterfinal with seven tournament goals, one behind the reported Golden Boot lead.

England arrived after a more difficult knockout path. Harry Kane scored twice late against DR Congo, then England survived nearly half an hour with 10 players to beat co-host Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium. Kane entered Saturday with six goals, while Jude Bellingham had four, giving England more scoring support beyond its captain.

The tournament numbers pointed toward an open contest. Norway had averaged 2.4 goals per match, England 2.2, and Norway’s first five games had all finished with more than 2.5 total goals.

Here's What Happened

England controlled possession early and spent long stretches in Norway’s half, but the pace was measured rather than frantic. Norway defended deep, often dropping nearly every player behind the ball, while both teams appeared reluctant to press aggressively in Miami’s humidity. A hydration break arrived in the 23rd minute.

England created promising wide situations through Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke. Elliot Anderson also delivered a curling cross toward Bellingham, but England could not turn its territorial advantage into a clear breakthrough. Kane later drove a central free kick over the bar.

The warning signs came just before the opener. John Stones lost possession under pressure from Odegaard, and Jordan Pickford reacted quickly to prevent Haaland from reaching the loose ball. Seconds later, Pickford saved a Haaland header.

Norway then punished England in the 36th minute. England lost the ball in midfield, Odegaard moved the attack forward, and Schjelderup beat Pickford from a tight angle with a shot that struck the far post. The live update recorded a top ball speed of 113 kilometers per hour. Readers following the match can track the score through live Norway-England updates.

The Response

England coach Thomas Tuchel was animated during the hydration break, clapping and giving instructions as his side searched for a quicker attacking rhythm. England now had to decide whether to remain patient or alter its wide attack.

Before kickoff, SportsLine analyst Jon Eimer expected the forwards to drive a high-scoring match.

“Norway has seen all five of their matches go over 2.5 goals.”

Schjelderup’s goal supported that expectation, but it also showed Norway did not need sustained possession to threaten England.

The Bigger Picture

The goal changed the pressure balance. England had started as the 90-minute moneyline favorite, while Norway had been priced as the underdog, but the early deficit forced England to chase the game against a team comfortable defending deep and counterattacking through Odegaard, Schjelderup and Haaland.

For U.S. viewers, the match is part of a full quarterfinal day on FOX. The Norway-England winner is scheduled to face Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday. English-language coverage is available through FOX and FOX One, while Spanish-language coverage is on Telemundo and Peacock. The World Cup broadcast schedule also lists the later Argentina-Switzerland quarterfinal from Kansas City.

Low block

A defensive shape in which most players stay close to their own goal, reducing space for opponents.

Moneyline

A bet on which team will win within 90 minutes, excluding extra time and penalties.

The Road Ahead

England must find an equalizer while limiting Norway’s counterattacks, especially the service into Haaland. Norway, meanwhile, is 54 minutes plus stoppage time from a first World Cup semifinal if it can protect the lead.

The confirmed next step is clear: the winner advances to Atlanta to meet Argentina or Switzerland. No final result had been reported in the supplied live update.