England and Norway became the latest teams to book their places in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ quarterfinals after producing two unforgettable Round of 16 victories. England survived a dramatic battle against co-host Mexico, while Norway pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by eliminating Brazil.
The results complete another thrilling chapter in the knockout stage, with the race for the Golden Boot and the remaining quarterfinal spots becoming even more intense.
Bellingham Inspires England in Five-Goal Classic
England secured a 3-2 victory over Mexico in a match filled with goals, VAR drama, penalties, and a red card.
Although Mexico controlled possession during the opening stages, England struck first through Jude Bellingham. The midfielder headed home Bukayo Saka’s inviting cross in the 36th minute before doubling England’s advantage just two minutes later after Harry Kane capitalized on a loose Mexican pass and set him up for a composed finish.
Mexico refused to back down. Just before halftime, Julián Quiñones reignited the contest with a thunderous strike into the roof of the net, cutting England’s lead to 2-1.
Red Card Changes the Momentum
The game took another dramatic turn in the 54th minute when Jarell Quansah received a red card following a VAR review for his challenge on Jesús Gallardo, leaving England to defend with 10 men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, England quickly restored their two-goal cushion. Goalkeeper Raúl Rangel fouled Anthony Gordon inside the penalty area, allowing Harry Kane to confidently convert from the spot. The goal marked Kane’s sixth of the tournament, strengthening his position in the Golden Boot race.
Mexico earned a penalty of their own in the 69th minute after another VAR intervention ruled that Kane had fouled Brian Gutiérrez. Veteran striker Raúl Jiménez calmly converted to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
The final 20 minutes saw relentless pressure from the hosts as Mexico pushed for an equalizer. However, Jordan Pickford produced several important saves while England’s defense stood firm through an extended period of stoppage time to secure their place in the last eight.
Norway Delivers One of the Tournament’s Biggest Upsets
Norway made history by defeating Brazil 2-1, reaching the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time ever.
Brazil had an ideal opportunity to take an early lead in the 13th minute after a VAR review awarded a penalty. However, Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland brilliantly denied Bruno Guimarães, setting the tone for a remarkable defensive performance.
For much of the match, Brazil dominated possession and created numerous chances, but Nyland repeatedly frustrated the five-time world champions with a series of outstanding saves.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 79th minute when Erling Haaland rose highest to head home a perfectly delivered cross.
As Brazil committed more players forward searching for an equalizer, Norway struck again in the 90th minute. Haaland found space inside the penalty area and fired past Alisson Becker to double the lead and effectively seal one of the biggest victories in Norwegian football history.
Brazil managed a consolation goal in the 10th minute of stoppage time after Neymar converted a penalty, but moments later the final whistle confirmed Brazil’s elimination.
Quarterfinal Picture Begins to Take Shape
England and Norway now join France and Morocco as the first four confirmed quarterfinalists.
The first confirmed quarterfinal fixture is:
- France vs Morocco — Friday, July 10, 2026 (20:00 UTC)
Four Round of 16 matches are still to be played:
- Portugal vs Spain
- USA vs Belgium
- Argentina vs Egypt
- Switzerland vs Colombia
The winners of those ties will complete the quarterfinal lineup.
Golden Boot Race Reaches Historic Levels
The battle for the Golden Boot has become one of the most competitive in recent World Cup history.
Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland are tied on seven goals, with Mbappé holding the current tiebreak advantage thanks to his superior assist tally.
Just behind them is Harry Kane with six goals, while Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Dembélé, and Vinícius Júnior remain among the tournament’s leading scorers.
Assist Leaderboard Led by Olise
France winger Michael Olise continues to dominate the playmaking charts with five assists, equaling the legendary single-tournament marks set by Diego Maradona in 1986 and Thomas Häßler in 1994.
Olise now sits just one assist away from matching Pelé’s iconic World Cup record of six assists, achieved during Brazil’s victorious 1970 campaign.
With the knockout rounds entering their decisive stage, both the Golden Boot and Top Assist races remain wide open, adding another layer of excitement to an already unforgettable FIFA World Cup 2026.
