Norway vs England Prediction, Preview, Team News and Expected Lineups

Norway and England are all set to face each other in the quarter-finals at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Both sides have shown pure brilliance in their World Cup campaign so far. They will head into the clash following an impressive show in the Round of 16.

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England are all set to play their 11th World Cup quarterfinal, a feat achieved only by Brazil and Germany, who have each reached this stage 14 times. However, for Norway, the scenario is different, as they have never before made it to the quarterfinals.

Ståle Solbakken’s men have justified their reputation as the tournament’s dark horses. They came through a difficult Group I, and then defeated Côte d’Ivoire and five-time champions Brazil to reach the last eight.

Norway’s squad also has a strong Premier League connection, with several players facing England’s stars regularly during the club season.

England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, have not always been convincing in this World Cup. Still, their hard-fought victory in Mexico City on Sunday was one of the nation’s most memorable performances at a major tournament. The fans now feel more than just hope, there is a genuine belief that the Three Lions can finally add a second star to their shirt.

Quick Match details

Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026
Stage: Quarter-finals
Date: July 11
Kick-off Time: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST / 2:30 a.m. IST (July 12)
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, United Stadium

Norway vs England: Match Preview and Current Form

England

England had to work really hard to seal their quarter-finals spot. The ongoing right-back problem, and Mexico’s strong record at this World Cup. But Jude Bellingham scored twice, Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot as usual, and big Dan Burn also chipped in, along with every other player in white – to make the sleepless night worth it for England fans. They watched their team, down to 10 men, reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the 11th time.

It was an England performance fans aren’t used to seeing, but it worked. They had just 33.2% possession, which is their lowest ever recorded in a World Cup match.Yet, they were dangerous on the counter-attack and solid in defence.

England now travels to Florida on a three-game winning run, scoring at least twice in each of those games. They’ve won six of their last seven matches overall, with their only slip-up being a goalless draw against Ghana.

Still, European opposition has been England’s biggest problem at major tournaments lately. Five of their last six World Cup knockout exits have come against European teams – including their last three in a row.

World Cup form: W-D-W-W-W

Norway

Norway has been dominating in the World Cup, their sole loss came against France during the Group stage. Erling Haaland exuded ultimate nonchalance when picking out the bottom corner from nothing against Brazil, after he had already headed his nation into the lead against the five-time winners, whose 100th-minute Neymar penalty was far too late.

Making a mockery of Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Norway maintained their exceptional record of having never lost to Brazil in senior men’s football, while reaching the last eight of the World Cup for the first time in their history.

Stale Solbakken’s side have scored (12 in total) and conceded (nine) in each of their five World Cup games so far; the only previous team to reach the semi-finals while netting 10 goals and shipping 10 goals is the 1954 West Germany side, who went on to become champions.

However, Norway have never beaten a fellow European team in the World Cup, nor have they managed to score in any of their last four meetings with England, who lead the head-to-head total with seven wins to two.

Not since 2014 have the two quarter-finalists locked horns though – Wayne Rooney’s penalty carried England to a 1-0 friendly win that day – and it would be no shock to see spot kicks determine who meets Argentina or Switzerland in the final four.

World Cup form: W-W-L-W-W

Norway vs England: Team News and Injury Updates

England

England will be missing Jarell Quansah for the quarter-final, and the semi-final too, if they qualify for the next round. The Bayer Leverkusen defender was sent off for a high tackle on Mexico’s Jesus Gallardo, and his ban was later extended.

With Reece James still doubtful because of his hamstring, Tuchel would be wise not to take any risks and bring Djed Spence back into the starting eleven. Another option is shifting one of John Stones or Ezri Konsa across to cover.

England won the match at Azteca but suffered a major setback as Jordan Henderson hurt his wrist in a freak accident involving the advertising boards pitch-side. He’s had surgery and is now out for the rest of the World Cup.

Meanwhile, fresh injury worries have also been reported. Marc Guehi (hamstring) and Declan Rice (illness). Guehi is the bigger concern, if he can’t play, Dan Burn could come in, given his physical style suits facing Haaland.

Norway

For Norway, left-back David Moller Wolfe went off late in their last-16 win over Brazil but has since trained fully and is expected to be fine for the quarter-final.

That gives coach Solbakken a nice problem to have – his whole squad is fit. Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup, who set up both goals last time out, are both pushing hard to replace Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa in the starting line-up.

As for Haaland, he’s still chasing the Golden Boot with seven goals so far. He’s scored on 39% of his shots at this World Cup – the best conversion rate of any player with 15+ shots at the tournament since Gary Lineker back in 1986.

Norway and England Probable starting XI

Norway Probable starting XI

Goalkeeper: Ørjan Nyland
Defenders: Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Heggem, David Møller Wolfe
Midfielders: Sander Berge, Patrick Berg, Martin Ødegaard
Attackers: Antonio Nusa
Forwards: Alexander Sørloth, Erling Haaland

England Probable starting XI