England, Norway set up quarterfinal showdown after dramatic Round of 16 victories

England and Norway booked their places in the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals after overcoming Mexico and Brazil, respectively, in dramatic Round of 16 encounters on Sunday and Monday.

Erling Haaland inspired Norway to a historic victory over five-time champions Brazil, while England survived a spirited comeback from co-hosts Mexico to set up a mouthwatering last-eight clash. 

HAALAND FIRES NORWAY INTO HISTORY

Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages as Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday to reach the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals for the first time in the nation’s history.

After a tense contest in which Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland produced a string of outstanding saves, including denying Bruno Guimarães from the penalty spot in the first half, Haaland finally broke the deadlock in the 79th minute.

The Manchester City striker then struck again in stoppage time to put Norway firmly in control and send the Scandinavian side to a famous victory.

Neymar converted a penalty in the 90+10th minute to reduce the deficit, but Brazil could not complete the comeback as the five-time world champions suffered their earliest World Cup exit since 1990. Norway will face England in the quarterfinals. 

ENGLAND HOLDS OFF MEXICO TO REACH LAST EIGHT

England withstood a determined fightback from co-hosts Mexico to claim a thrilling 3-2 win in their Round of 16 clash at the Mexico City Stadium on Monday, securing a place in the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals.

Jude Bellingham put England in command with two goals in quick succession in the 36th and 38th minutes, but Julián Quiñones pulled one back for Mexico before half-time in the 42nd minute to keep the hosts in contention.

England’s task became more difficult when Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute, but Harry Kane restored the visitors’ two-goal cushion with a penalty six minutes later.

Raúl Jiménez converted a penalty in the 69th to reignite Mexico’s hopes, yet England defended resolutely despite playing with 10 men to book a quarterfinal meeting with Norway.

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