The quarter-final lineup for the 2026 World Cup took shape with England and Norway confirming a meeting in Miami on 11 July, after contrasting victories in the round of 16. England survived a raucous atmosphere at the Estadio Azteca to eliminate co-hosts Mexico 3-2, while Norway produced the shock of the tournament by knocking out five-time champions Brazil 2-1. The result sets up the first World Cup encounter between the two European sides, who have met 12 times previously in friendlies and qualifiers, with England holding a dominant record of seven wins to Norway’s two.

Jude Bellingham delivered a decisive two-minute salvo for England, heading in Bukayo Saka’s cross in the 36th minute and then finishing a move initiated by Anthony Gordon’s high turnover to make it 2-0. Mexico, urged on by 80,824 fans, pulled one back before half-time through Julián Quiñones’s volley, his fourth goal of the tournament. The hosts gained a numerical advantage when Jarell Quansah was sent off for a heavy challenge on Jesús Gallardo, but a defensive lapse allowed Gordon to race clear and draw a penalty from goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, which Harry Kane converted. Raúl Jiménez replied from the spot after Kane fouled Roberto Alvarado, yet Mexico could not find an equaliser despite late pressure, extending their 40-year wait to reach the quarter-finals.

Norway’s progress was built on the ruthless finishing of Erling Haaland, who scored both goals against Brazil to secure the Scandinavian nation’s first appearance in the last eight. The Norwegians had earlier navigated a group containing France, Iraq and Senegal, then edged Ivory Coast in the round of 32 before toppling the defending champions. Viewed from Latin America, the Brazilian exit was met with disbelief, while European analysts noted that Norway’s direct, high-tempo attacking play has made them the tournament’s most unexpected threat. In Mexico, the elimination of the co-hosts prompted a wave of social media reaction and scrutiny of manager Javier Aguirre’s substitutions, with local commentators pointing to individual errors that proved costly against a side of England’s quality.

The other confirmed quarter-final pits France against Morocco, after Kylian Mbappé’s solitary goal eliminated Paraguay and the Atlas Lions dispatched co-hosts Canada 3-0. The winners of England-Norway will face the victors of that tie in the semi-finals, with a place in the showpiece match at stake. England remain unbeaten in the tournament and carry the weight of a 1966 title, while Norway’s campaign has already surpassed all expectations.