It's the biggest match Norwegian football has played since 1938 — and Oslo showed up for it. Norway's historic run to their first-ever World Cup quarter-final ended on 11 July with a 2–1 extra-time loss to England, Andreas Schjelderup's early goal cancelled out by a Jude Bellingham brace, the winner arriving three minutes into extra time. England went on to face the winner of Argentina/Switzerland in the semi-final in Atlanta.
It wasn't the fairytale ending, but reaching a World Cup quarter-final for the first time in the nation's history — knocking out Brazil along the way — is still the best Norwegian men's tournament run in generations. Below is how the night played out, and the Oslo bars that were part of it.
The match: Norway 1–2 England (aet)
- Played: Saturday 11 July 2026, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
- Goals: Schjelderup 36' (Norway); Bellingham 45+2', 93' (England)
- Round: Quarter-final, 2026 FIFA World Cup
Norway took a deserved lead through Andreas Schjelderup just before the half-hour, pouncing after Harry Kane was dispossessed in his own half. Bellingham equalised right on half-time, and the sides traded chances through a scoreless second half before Bellingham struck again three minutes into extra time, converting the rebound after goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland could only parry a long-range effort. Norway pushed for a second equaliser but couldn't find it, and England held on to reach their fourth-ever World Cup semi-final.
The road there
Norway qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, and exceeded every expectation once the tournament started. Ivory Coast were beaten in the round of 32, and in the round of 16 came the result nobody saw coming: two late goals from Erling Braut Haaland secured a 2–1 win over Brazil in New Jersey — send-off captain Martin Ødegaard called it something "that surpasses anything you could dream of."
England, for their part, knocked out DR Congo in the round of 32 and then had to get through a breathless match against host nation Mexico, winning 3–2 with Jude Bellingham as the big hero and Harry Kane scoring from the penalty spot. Going into the Norway match, Haaland had scored seven goals in five games and Kane six — the two in-form strikers of the tournament, on opposite sides of the pitch.
Where Oslo watched it
By all accounts this was the busiest pub night in Oslo of the summer — busier even than the earlier Brazil match. If Norway ever finds itself in a similar spot again, these are the sports bars worth knowing for a big match night:
Trafalgar Sportsbar (Keysers gate, St. Hanshaugen) — A British-inspired sports bar with several screens, right in the centre. Check the current beer price on PilsPosten before you go.
Scotsman (Karl Johans gt. 35) — One of the city's best-known sports bars, with a big screen and a great atmosphere right out on the main street. Fills up fast for the big matches.
Bohemen Sportspub (Arbeidergata) — Often voted one of Oslo's best football bars, with an overview of which match is showing where. Popular with foreign supporters too.
Andy's Pub (Stortingsgata) — A central pub with sports screens and a good drinks selection, known for a lively atmosphere during big matches.
Sir Winston's Public House (Karl Johans gt. 10) — A cosy, slightly more relaxed option right by the Cathedral, with screens and plenty of room to watch the match without it getting too chaotic.
Store Stå Pub (Thereses gate, by Bislett) — Informal neighbourhood vibe with pizza and beer, popular with the regulars around the Bislett area.
Frequently asked questions
How far did Norway go at the 2026 World Cup?
Norway reached the quarter-final — their best result in the modern era — beating Ivory Coast and Brazil before losing 2–1 to England after extra time.
Who scored for Norway against England?
Andreas Schjelderup, in the 36th minute.
Is this Norway's best World Cup result?
Yes — it's the first time Norway has reached a men's World Cup quarter-final, surpassing their previous best of the round of 16 in 1938 and 1998.
This article originally previewed the match ahead of kick-off and has been updated with the final result.