England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after surviving a thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico, while Norway produced one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by knocking out Brazil in a dramatic day of football that was overshadowed by controversy surrounding United States striker Folarin Balogun.
Sunday’s action delivered breathtaking moments on and off the pitch, with Jude Bellingham inspiring England, Erling Haaland ending Brazil’s World Cup dream, and FIFA facing backlash after overturning Balogun’s suspension following reports of intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump.
England Hold Off Mexico in Five-Goal Thriller
England were pushed to their limits before securing a memorable 3-2 victory over hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
The Three Lions looked in complete control during the opening stages after Jude Bellingham produced a moment of brilliance, scoring twice within just 98 seconds to hand England a commanding 2-0 lead after 38 minutes.
However, Mexico refused to surrender.
Julian Quiñones pulled one back before halftime to cut the deficit to 2-1, setting up a tense second half.
England’s task became even more difficult shortly after the restart when defender Jarell Quansah received a straight red card following a VAR review, reducing the European side to ten men.
Despite the setback, England extended their lead after Harry Kane calmly converted a penalty to make it 3-1.
Mexico continued to pile on the pressure and were awarded a penalty after another VAR review, with Raúl Jiménez converting from the spot to narrow the score to 3-2.
The hosts launched relentless attacks in the closing stages, but England defended bravely to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
“It was a crazy game. We had everything against us, but we found a way,” captain Harry Kane said after the match.
Bellingham, who was named Man of the Match, described the victory as the greatest night of his international career.
“In years gone by England probably would have crumbled, but we stayed together until the final whistle,” he said.
Norway Produce Massive Upset Against Brazil
England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals after the Scandinavian nation stunned five-time world champions Brazil with a remarkable 2-1 victory.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was the hero, scoring twice in the final 11 minutes to complete a sensational comeback.
Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland also played a decisive role, saving a first-half penalty from Bruno Guimarães to keep his side in the contest.
Haaland admitted he never expected Norway to eliminate Brazil.
“I dreamed of playing in the World Cup and helping Norway get here, but I never imagined beating Brazil. I thought some things weren’t possible, but I guess I was wrong,” he said.
His two goals brought his tournament tally to seven, drawing level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
Brazil’s World Cup Misery Continues
The defeat extended Brazil’s painful run at the FIFA World Cup.
Despite appointing Carlo Ancelotti in an effort to end a 24-year wait for another world title, Brazil once again fell to European opposition.
It marked the sixth consecutive World Cup in which the South American giants have been eliminated by a European nation.
The defeat also represented Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990, when they were knocked out in the Round of 16 by Argentina.
Questions are now expected over the future direction of the Brazilian national team following another disappointing campaign.
FIFA Faces Backlash Over Balogun Decision
Away from the action on the pitch, FIFA found itself at the centre of controversy after overturning the suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun.
Balogun had received an automatic one-match suspension after being shown a straight red card during the USA’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Under FIFA regulations, straight red cards normally result in an automatic one-match ban that cannot be appealed by a player’s federation.
Reports later emerged claiming U.S. President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the decision.
Shortly afterwards, FIFA announced that Balogun’s suspension had been suspended for one year, making him available for the United States’ Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
The governing body did not provide a detailed explanation for the decision.
Trump celebrated the ruling on his Truth Social platform, thanking FIFA for what he described as correcting an injustice.
Belgium Responds With Anger
The decision immediately sparked outrage in Belgium.
The Royal Belgian Football Association released a strongly worded statement expressing shock at FIFA’s ruling and confirming it was examining all available legal options.
The controversy has raised fresh questions about consistency in FIFA’s disciplinary process, particularly after U.S. Soccer officials had reportedly accepted the original punishment and had not appealed Balogun’s suspension.
With the United States set to face Belgium, the incident has added even more tension to one of the tournament’s most anticipated knockout matches.
Quarter-Final Showdown Set
England’s dramatic victory and Norway’s historic triumph have set up an intriguing quarter-final encounter between two in-form European sides.
England will rely on the creativity of Jude Bellingham and the experience of Harry Kane, while Norway will look to the prolific Erling Haaland after his match-winning display against Brazil.
As the World Cup enters its decisive stages, attention will now focus on whether England can continue their title charge or if Norway can produce another major upset after eliminating one of football’s traditional powerhouses.