World Cup 2026: England favourites to reach semi-finals
England enters the World Cup quarter-final against Norway as the betting favorite, though Norway manager Stale Solbakken insists the pressure is on England. The match in Miami will determine who advances to the semi-finals to face either Argentina or Switzerland.
Why it matters
As a major international sporting event, the outcome of this match has significant cultural and economic implications for the participating nations.
Figure caption, 'Biggest event in Norway since the end of the war'
England are favourites to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, Norway boss Stale Solbakken has told BBC Sport.
The Three Lions meet Norway - who knocked out five-time world champions Brazil in the last 16 - in Miami on Saturday (22:00 BST kick-off).
And Solbakken, in an interview with BBC sports editor Dan Roan, said: "They are favourites, but they're not big, big favourites."
Later, the former Wolves boss told a news conference at the Miami Stadium: "I think England have more pressure than us.
"But we also put pressure on our performance. Once the game starts I don't think the players think about the pressure."
Norway's team is packed with Premier League talent and experience, including Arsenal's title-winning captain Martin Odegaard and Manchester City forward Erling Haaland.
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