What is England’s likely route to the World Cup final if they beat Norway?

FootballSports
11 Jul 2026 • 6:46 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

What is England’s likely route to the World Cup final if they beat Norway?

England are just three games away from ending 60 years of hurt on the global stage as they prepare for a World Cup quarter-final against Norway.

They come into the clash against the Erling Haaland-powered nation after producing one of their all-time great tournament performance, defeating Mexico in a thrilling 3-2 win at the Estadio Azteca.

Jude Bellingham put England ​ahead, ⁠striking twice in the space of a minute, finishing a Bukayo Saka ⁠cross before tapping in Harry Kane's pass ​to ⁠stun the home crowd.

Mexico's Julian Quinones pulled one back before half-time, reacting quickest to a loose ball in ‌the box to fire into ‌the roof of the net and revive the co-hosts' hopes.

England were reduced to 10 men in ⁠the second half after Jarell Quansah was sent off following a VAR review - a decision that has now led to a two-match ban for the Bayer Leverkusen defender - but Harry Kane restored England's two-goal lead with a penalty after goalkeeper Raul Rangel fouled Anthony Gordon.

Mexico's Raul Jimenez reduced the deficit with ‌another penalty after a VAR review ​confirmed a foul from Kane on ‌Brian Gutierrez, but England were able to hold on to seal their spot in the last-eight.

England will face either Argentina or Switzerland in a semi-final in Atlanta if they can get passed Norway, before potentially coming up against one of France or Spain in a mammoth final.

Erling Haaland celebrates with his teammates (Reuters)

England’s possible route to World Cup final:

Group fixtures

17 June: England 4-2 Croatia | AT&T Stadium, Arlington

23 June: England 0-0 Ghana | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough

27 June: England 2-0 Panama | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

Round of 32

1 July: England 2-1 DR Congo | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Round of 16

5 July: England 3-2 Mexico | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

Quarter-final

11 July: England vs Norway | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

Semi-final

15 July: England vs Argentina or Switzerland | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

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