Norway are all set for their first ever FIFA World Cup quarterfinal test when they take on England in a highly anticipated match early Sunday morning in Miami.
Norway stunned the world by beating five-time World Cup winners Brazil 2-1 in the round of 16 to qualify for the last eight for the first time in their history. Erling Haaland’s brace inspired the victory, as he took his tally in the 2026 edition to seven goals in five matches.
The 25-year old forward leads the goalscoring charts level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappe.
They take on an England side who edged co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling encounter at the iconic Azteca Stadium. Jude Bellingham scored twice in the win to take his tally in the tournament to three goals.
England are unbeaten in the tournament, only dropping points in a barren draw against Ghana in the group stage. The Three Lions have averaged two goals a game so far and are under pressure to go all the way for a first title since 1966.
England bowed out in the quarterfinals in the 2022 World Cup after finishing in fourth place in Russia 2018.
Norway on the other hand lost 4-1 to France in the group stages but have followed that up with identical 2-1 wins to sail through to the last eight.
Which of these European sides will grind out a victory to book their place in the last four? Here we have a look at both teams ahead of the clash and offer our predicted outcome.
What time does Norway vs England start?
The match kicks off at 12AM E.A.T at the Hard Rock Stadium
Norway vs England team news
Haaland has undoubtedly been the main source of inspiration for the Norwegian outfit and he will continue to lead the attacking line.
Captain Martin Odeegard has also been an integral part of Norway’s attacking formula and he will retain his place in the starting XI, alongside Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sorloth in the wide attacking areas.
Patrick Berg and Sander Berge will also start in midfield as head coach Stale Solbakken is not expected to make any changes to the side that knocked out favorites Brazil.
Oscar Bobb and Fredrik Aursnens were electric off the bench and will have to wait for a cameo just like in the previous two matches.
As for England, Thomas Tuchel finally succumbed to the pressure to switch his team around and he looks set to retain Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon on the flanks.
Both Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke were unused substitutes against Mexico but will likely feature from the bench here. Morgan Rogers came off the bench for only his second appearance at the finals and will likely make a cameo appearance as well.
Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice have been the key parts of the England midfield and despite cries for Kobbie Mainoo to feature, the Manchester United player is yet to make his World Cup debut.
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Following Jarrel Quansah’s red card in the round of 16, Djed Spence is likely to return to the starting XI here.
Captain Harry Kane has scored six goals in the tournament so far and he will continue to lead the attacking line.
Norway vs England head-to-head and current form
The defeat to France is Norway’s only loss in their last five games – winning all of the remaining four games, while scoring 12 goals in the process.
England remain unbeaten in their recent run of five games – winning four and sharing the spoils in a barren draw against Ghana in the group stage.
The Three Lions have beaten Norway twice in their last five head-to-head matches, with another two resulting in a stalemate.
Current form:
Norway – WWLWW
England – WWWDW
Norway vs England previous games
- England 1-0 Norway (September 3, 2014)
- Norway 0-1 England (May 26, 2012)
- Norway 0-0 England (October 11, 1995)
- England 0-0 Norway (May 22, 1994)
- Norway 2-0 England (June 2, 1993)
Norway vs England prediction
This is a difficult one to call by comparison of their runs of form leading up to the match. After beating Brazil, Norway are filled with confidence and with a forward who cannot stop scoring, they are expected to push England to the wall here.
The expectations on England to deliver a second World Cup title are immense but they have a lot to do to prove they can make it all the way to the final. However, we can at least expect goals from either side in the match.
Prediction – Both teams to score – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!