England vs Norway World Cup quarter-final rekindles historic rivalry with Spain’s Costas fans

Expats across Spain have started counting down to one of the most intriguing matches of the 2026 World Cup so far. England take on Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday night, with kick-off set for 11pm Spanish time at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The fixture is bringing a little extra spice because of a famous rivalry that dates back decades and because Norway has become one of the tournament’s biggest surprise packages. The match is touted as the most ‘must-watch’ of the competition so far.

Norway’s unlikely journey to the last eight

Norway have reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history, as reported on these pages earlier this week. They finished second in their group behind France before producing two breathtaking knockout performances. A late goal from Erling Haaland helped them past Ivory Coast in the round of 32. Haaland then scored twice as Norway beat Brazil 2-1 in the last 16. The Manchester City striker now has seven goals in four matches and sits joint top of the scoring charts. Captain Martin Odegaard has also impressed with his leadership and passing range. Few expected Norway to still be involved at this stage, yet their momentum has captured attention well beyond Scandinavia.

Rivalry rooted in history

England and Norway have never met in a major tournament before this week. Their last competitive meeting came in a 1981 World Cup qualifier when Norway won 2-1 in Oslo. That result produced one of the most famous pieces of football commentary in history. Norwegian radio man Bjørge Lillelien delivered an excitable rant that ended with the line, “Maggie Thatcher, can you hear me? Your boys took a hell of a beating!” The moment still brings wry smiles on both sides of the North Sea. Recent friendly banter between the British and Norwegian prime ministers has kept the story alive. Many Norwegian players now feature in the Premier League, including Haaland and Odegaard, which adds a modern layer to the old rivalry.

England’s road and ambitions

England reached the quarter-finals after a 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico in the round of 16. Jude Bellingham scored twice in that match. The Three Lions have shown their tough side in tight games and will expect to progress further. Harry Kane is the key threat in attack. A place in the semi-finals awaits the winner, with the match in Atlanta scheduled for July 15. England has reached this stage many times before, yet the presence of an in-form Haaland makes the task a long way from straightforward.

Football passion on Spain’s Costas

British expats on the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca have already begun organising viewing plans for the late kick-off. Bars in popular areas expect busy nights as fans gather to watch together. Social media activity among British expats shows electric enthusiasm for the fixture, as Norwegian fans did earlier in the tournament when they took over bars across the Costas with their viking ‘row’.

One Brit expat in the US wrote, X: “Expat Brit here. I’ve supported the USA, England and now, in recent weeks, Norway… The only problem is who to support in the next England vs Norway match!! – Either winning would be epic.”

Many supporters here have said that if England’s run ended they would happily back Norway’s cause. Norwegian fans living on the Costas often feel the same way about England. Football brings people together in these communities in a natural way that crosses national lines.

Spain face Belgium in their own quarter-final on Friday evening in Los Angeles. That result will also shape conversations across Spain on Saturday. Many British expats follow the Spanish national team closely and see the two matches as a perfect weekend double bill of European football. The outcome of both games will decide which teams reach the last four.

Excitement continues to grow as the World Cup moves deeper into the knockout phase. England and Norway both have reasons to believe they can reach the semi-finals. For expats watching from Spain, the combination of history, surprise, and shared passion promises a memorable night and a hangover for some on Sunday morning.