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Norway have never been this far, and England have never fielded a defence this unsettled. Opta calls it the tightest quarter-final of the eight, and it may come down to whether anyone can handle Erling Haaland.
England are the bookmakers' pick and Opta's, if only just, for tonight's World Cup 2026 quarter-final in Miami. Norway have Erling Haaland, and that is usually enough to make anyone nervous.
Norway have never reached a World Cup quarter-final until now. On Saturday in Miami they stand one win from the semis, with Erling Haaland in ferocious form and a depleted England to get past.
Norway have reached a World Cup quarter-final for the first time in their history, powered by Erling Haaland's seven goals, and now stand one win from the semi-finals against Thomas Tuchel's England.
For the first time in World Cup history, neither Brazil nor Germany has reached the last eight, and their absence has reshaped a bracket that now makes room for Switzerland and a first-time quarter-finalist in Norway.
Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi are tied on seven goals apiece for the World Cup 2026 Golden Boot, with Mbappe holding the tiebreaker edge as Erling Haaland and Harry Kane push from two behind.
Erling Haaland faces Brazil in a World Cup knockout for the first time. Norway have never beaten Brazil. The most feared striker in football meets the most feared team in tournament history.
