England vs Norway gave a wonderful showpiece of football. England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, but the quarter-final ended in controversy. Erling Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge Haaland, publicly criticised the referee after a disputed decision during Jude Bellingham’s equaliser, which Norway believed should not have stood.

England vs Norway: Alfinge Haaland questions officiating

Norway made a bright start and took the lead through Andreas Schjelderup before Jude Bellingham inspired England’s comeback with two goals, including the extra-time winner.

Following the defeat, Alf-Inge Haaland expressed his frustration on social media, sarcastically congratulating both Bellingham and the referee. His comments reflected the disappointment within the Norwegian camp, which felt several decisions went against them during the knockout clash.

Camera cable controversy dominates post-match debate

The biggest talking point came in the build-up to England’s equaliser. Norway claimed the ball had struck an overhead camera cable before Bellingham found the net. Under the Laws of the Game, play should be stopped if the ball touches an outside object, prompting Norway to argue that the goal should have been ruled out.

Referee Clément Turpin allowed the goal to stand, while VAR found no reason to intervene. FIFA later stated that its Connected Ball Technology detected no contact between the ball and the cable, backing the officials’ decision.

England manager Thomas Tuchel also supported the technology, saying there was no evidence of contact. Norway coach Ståle Solbakken, however, maintained that everyone on his bench believed the ball had touched the cable before the goal.

Despite the controversy, England advanced to the semi-finals, where they will face Argentina, while Norway exited the tournament after an impressive World Cup campaign.