England, France, Norway Reach World Cup Quarterfinals

England, France, and Norway secured hard-fought victories over their Pan-American opponents to advance to the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026, reigniting the battle for global soccer supremacy.

England edged co-host Mexico 3-2, France defeated Paraguay 1-0, and Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 16 that saw two co-hosts exit the tournament. Following Canada’s earlier 3-0 loss to Morocco, Mexico became the second host nation eliminated in the knockout stage.

France booked its place in the quarterfinals thanks to captain Kylian Mbappe, who converted a second-half penalty for the game’s only goal against Paraguay. The strike was Mbappe’s seventh of the tournament, drawing him level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Norway’s Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot.

England survived a spirited comeback from Mexico in a match that tested the European side until the final whistle.

Jude Bellingham gave England an early advantage with two first-half goals, putting his team ahead 2-0 by the 38th minute. Mexico responded before halftime when Julián Quiñones found the net in the 42nd minute, energizing the home crowd at Mexico City Stadium.

Harry Kane extended England’s lead from the penalty spot in the 60th minute after calmly converting a spot kick. However, the England captain later conceded a penalty after a VAR review ruled he had committed an intentional foul. Raúl Jiménez converted from the spot in the 69th minute to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

England adopted a defensive approach for much of the closing stages, particularly after Kane left the field. Despite playing in rainy conditions, Mexico dominated possession and launched wave after wave of attacks. At times, England had all 10 outfield players defending deep inside their own half.

Mexico’s goalkeeper even joined the attack during a late corner in stoppage time as the hosts searched desperately for an equalizer. England ultimately held on through sustained pressure to secure a narrow victory.

Norway produced one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by defeating five-time world champion Brazil 2-1 to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.

Erling Haaland delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice in the final stages after a relatively quiet first half. His opening goal came with a powerful header in the 80th minute following a precise cross from halftime substitute Andreas Schjelderup. Haaland added a second goal before the end of regulation with a powerful angled finish after another assist from Schjelderup.

Brazil pulled one back deep into stoppage time when Neymar converted a penalty, but the goal only narrowed the final margin.

Haaland’s two goals took his tournament tally to seven, tying him with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe atop the scoring charts. He also extended his international scoring streak to 14 consecutive competitive matches, with 27 goals during that run and 62 goals in 54 appearances for Norway.

Goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland also played a decisive role in Norway’s historic victory. He denied Bruno Guimarães from the penalty spot in the 14th minute and produced several key saves, including a late stop to preserve Norway’s lead.

Brazil squandered several scoring opportunities, including the early penalty and another promising chance when Casemiro failed to connect with Neymar on a dangerous cross.

The defeat marked another disappointing World Cup campaign for Brazil, ending its streak of eight consecutive quarterfinal appearances. It was also Brazil’s seventh straight World Cup loss to a European opponent since defeating Germany in the 2002 final.

Norway welcomed back defender Julian Ryerson after a two-match injury absence, while coach Ståle Solbakken’s halftime decision to introduce Schjelderup proved pivotal, with the substitute assisting both of Haaland’s goals.

Norway will now face England in the quarterfinals, while France also advanced after Mbappe’s decisive contribution against Paraguay.

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