Norway stunned by freak Schjelderup strike as Bellingham rescues England in World Cup thriller

England and Norway went into half-time level at 1-1 after a gripping first half in their 2026 World Cup quarter-final at Miamis Hard Rock Stadium, featuring a fluke opener from Andreas Schjelderup and a clinical response from Jude Bellingham.

The Norwegians struck first with a goal that bewildered everyone in the ground, only for Englands mounting pressure to pay off in stoppage time at the end of the opening period.

Schjelderups looping cross-shot shocks England

After a largely sterile spell of English possession, Norway captain Martin degaard ignited the game on 36 minutes by seizing on a loose ball in midfield.

degaard drove forward and switched play intelligently to the left flank, finding Schjelderup in space. The winger advanced and attempted a whipped cross into the penalty area, aiming for star striker Erling Haaland.

But Schjelderup failed to strike the ball as intended. Instead, his miscued delivery turned into an audacious, looping effort that flew over everyone, including goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, and dropped into the far top corner.

The unexpected trajectory left Pickford rooted to the spot and visibly stunned, as Norwegian players celebrated a goal that appeared more accidental than designed but counted all the same.

England immediately appealed to the referee, arguing there had been an earlier foul on Harry Kane in the build-up. However, after a VAR review, the goal was allowed to stand, confirming Norways 1-0 lead in this highly charged last-eight encounter.

Bellingham heads England level in added time

Galvanised by falling behind, England increased their attacking intensity as the first half drew to a close.

Deep into added time, in the 47th minute, Anthony Gordon provided the spark Gareth Southgates side needed. Operating on the left wing, Gordon used a burst of pace to beat his marker and drive into space near the byline.

From there, he delivered a pinpoint cross towards the penalty spot. Jude Bellingham, timing his run perfectly, arrived between two Norwegian defenders and powered a close-range header beyond goalkeeper rjan Nyland.

The finish left Nyland with no chance and brought England back on level terms at a crucial moment, shifting the momentum just before the interval.

VAR once again came into play, this time to check Bellinghams positioning. The review confirmed the Real Madrid midfielder was onside, and the equaliser stood.

All square at the break in Miami

The half-time whistle sounded moments later, with the scoreline locked at 1-1 after a dramatic and finely balanced first period.

Norways early breakthrough, fashioned by degaards vision and Schjelderups extraordinary looping strike, briefly put England on the brink. Yet Englands response, led by Gordons direct running and Bellinghams composure in front of goal, ensured the match remained finely poised.

With a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake and both sides already trading decisive blows, the second half at the Hard Rock Stadium promised even more drama in a quarter-final that had already produced two of the most memorable goals of the tournament.