We’re down to the business end of the World Cup, and Saturday’s quarterfinal between England and Norway could be the most loaded contest left in the tournament.
The game kicks off in Miami, with a semi-final against the winner of Argentina or Switzerland up for grabs.
Two Different Paths
England crawled into the final eight the hard way grinding out a 3-2 win over co-host Mexico despite playing much of the second half with 10 men after Jarell Quansah’s red card.
In the game Jude Bellingham scored twice with Harry Kane converting from the spot.
It was the third straight competition in which Thomas Tuchel’s team made the quarterfinals. Norway however are living a fairytale.
This is the Vikings’ first ever World Cup quarterfinal and they get there by upsetting five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the round of 16, with Erling Haaland scoring both goals.
NORWAY ⚔️ ENGLAND pic.twitter.com/JnHHR9bBpT
— FIFA World Cup 2026 (@FIFAWC26Updates) July 9, 2026
Kane-Haaland showdown
The Golden Boot race will be watched closely. According to England Football, Haaland has scored in all four of his World Cup games so far
Kane has already delivered in England’s greatest moments in this tournament, one behind on six.
The Midfield Battle Might Decide It
Norway skipper Martin Odegaard was huge against Brazil, setting the tempo and dominating possession.
He’ll certainly get to see a lot of his Arsenal teammate Declan Rice, who knows his game as well as anyone in the tournament.
