The quarter-final clash between England and Norway went down in World Cup history with a FIFA surprise in the first half | Football news

England’s quarter-final against Norway makes FIFA World Cup history with the first ever half-time show hosted by Ellie Goulding/ Picture: AI

England will have a historic half-time performance by a British singer-songwriter in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals against Norway Ellie Gouldingmarking the first time in World Cup history that official Super Bowl-style halftime music shows have been integrated into games. Goulding’s pop set during Saturday’s clash at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium will also mark the first half-time performance of the FIFA-organized tournament’s knockout stages.The significant addition reflects FIFA’s wider push to incorporate American-style sports entertainment into the tournament, with the governing body expanding beyond its traditional soccer-only presentation. The quarter-final itself remains one of the highlight of the competition, with Thomas Tuchel’s England up against in-form Erling Haaland-led Norway for a place in the semi-finals.

Ellie Goulding confirmed a surprise appearance at halftime

Goulding revealed her involvement via an Instagram post on Friday, sharing photos of herself bouncing excitedly on her bed while referencing one of her biggest hits.“Playing at half-time for England against Norway I feel like anything really can happen…”The title was a playful nod to her 2012 chart-topping single Anything could happen.She also expressed her confidence in the English team ahead of the quarter-finals.“I already know the boys are going to do England proud, he’s coming home.”The show is expected to take place during the interval of Saturday’s match, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00 Miami local time (22:00 BST / 2:30 IST on Sunday). Depending on the stoppage time of the first half, Goulding is expected to take the stage between approximately 17:45 and 18:15 local time (3:15 am and 3:45 am IST on Sunday).The British singer is best known for hits including He loves me like you do, Anything could happen and Burnsongs that helped make her one of the most successful British pop artists of the past decade.

FIFA adopts Super Bowl-inspired entertainment

The decision represents another step in FIFA’s efforts to embrace American-style sports presentation during the 2026 tournament, which is co-hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Halftime shows have long been synonymous with the NFL’s Super Bowl, where elaborate productions have become global cultural events in their own right. Recently, Bad Bunny headlined the Super Bowl with special guest Lady Gaga.FIFA has already confirmed that the World Cup final in New York will include an 11-minute Super Bowl-style half-time spectacle, with Justin Bieber performing alongside Madonna, K-pop group BTS, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and Shakira, who will perform the tournament’s official song. Come on.However, Goulding’s appearance during the quarter-finals represents a significant extension of those plans, making England v Norway the first knockout match outside the final to receive a dedicated musical performance during the interval.

The quarterfinals have a great sporting stake

While the party has generated plenty of debate, the focus quickly returns to football when the second half begins.England booked their place in the last 16 after surviving a dramatic 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico, a game that saw Thomas Tuchel’s side defend with ten men for long periods following the dismissal of Jarell Quansah before eventually securing progress.Norway, meanwhile, continued their outstanding World Cup campaign by eliminating five-time champions Brazil with an incredible 2-1 win. Erling Haaland scored both goals as the Scandinavians reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time in their history.Saturday’s winner will advance to the semi-finals, where defending champions Argentina or Switzerland await.

A new album is also on the horizon

Away from football, Goulding is also preparing for the release of her sixth studio album, I know too muchwhich should arrive on September 4th.The upcoming record follows her UK number one album in 2023 More than the skycontinuing a career that has seen her become one of Britain’s most successful female music artists.For one night, though, the spotlight shifts from the rankings to the World Cup stage, where Goulding will provide the soundtrack to one of the tournament’s biggest quarter-final nights before England and Norway resume their battle for a place in the final four.