England and Norway advance at the World Cup as FIFA ruling sparks uproar over Folarin Balogun’s suspension after Brazil shock exit

England secured a dramatic place in the World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, 5 July 2026, after a tense 3-2 victory over Mexico in Mexico City, while Norway produced one of the tournament’s biggest shocks by defeating Brazil 2-1 in New Jersey, in a day overshadowed by a controversial FIFA disciplinary decision involving United States forward Folarin Balogun.

Also read: Real Madrid Deny Enzo Fernandez Transfer Shock Rumours

At the Estadio Azteca, England survived a chaotic knockout clash that swung repeatedly between control and collapse. Jude Bellingham struck twice in quick succession to give England a 2-0 lead before Mexico responded through Julián Quiñones to narrow the gap at half-time.

The match shifted again after England defender Jarell Quansah was sent off following a VAR review, leaving Gareth Southgate’s side under sustained pressure for much of the second half.

Harry Kane restored a two-goal cushion from the penalty spot, but Mexico fought back once more after another VAR intervention led to a penalty, converted by Raúl Jiménez. England were then forced into a prolonged defensive effort to preserve the result.

“It was a crazy game. We had the occasion, everything against us, but we found a way,” Kane said after the final whistle.

Bellingham, named man of the match, described the victory as a defining moment in his international career.

“In big pressure moments in years gone by watching as a fan, as a kid, England probably would have crumbled but we stuck together until the last second,” he said.

England now advance to a quarter-final meeting with Norway in Miami.

Norway’s path to the last eight came through a stunning 2-1 victory over Brazil, sealed by a late double from Erling Haaland. The result ended Brazil’s hopes of a sixth World Cup title and deepened concerns over their continued struggles in knockout stages against European opposition.

Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland was also instrumental, saving a first-half penalty from Bruno Guimarães before Haaland struck decisively in the closing minutes.

“I dreamed of playing in the World Cup with Norway… but I never expected to win against Brazil,” Haaland said. “I thought it was not possible to do some things, but I guess I’m wrong.”

The striker’s brace took him level with Lionel Messi on seven goals for the tournament, underlining his growing influence on the global stage.

However, much of the day’s attention shifted off the pitch after FIFA confirmed that United States striker Folarin Balogun would be cleared to play in the next round, despite previously receiving a one-match ban for a red card.

The decision sparked immediate controversy after reports suggested political intervention, including a reported call from former United States President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, urging a review of the sanction.

The Royal Belgian Football Association reacted sharply, expressing shock at the ruling and stating it was “astonished” and exploring possible options in response.

FIFA has not provided detailed reasoning for suspending the ban, fuelling further scrutiny of its disciplinary process at a critical stage of the tournament.

Also read: Real Madrid Deny Enzo Fernandez Transfer Shock Rumours

As England and Norway celebrated landmark victories, the broader narrative of the day was defined by both high-intensity football and growing unease over governance decisions shaping the competition’s integrity.