FIFA Explain Why England's Controversial Goal in 2026 World Cup Win vs. Norway Wasn't Disallowed

FIFA provided justification Saturday for allowing Jude Bellingham's game-tying goal in England's World Cup quarterfinal win over Norway despite the ball appearing to touch a camera cable hanging over the field earlier in the buildup.

FIFA said after England's 2-1 win in Miami that the sensor in the ball "showed no peak in the 'heartbeat of the ball' when in the air."

There was "therefore no evidence that the ball touched the overhead wire and changed the movement of the ball."

The Fox Sports broadcast pointed out what appeared to be the ball brushing a cable above the field shortly before Bellingham's goal in first-half stoppage time.

Balls used in the World Cup feature what FIFA describes as an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor providing real-time data during games.

This sensor captures 500 data points per second related to the ball's acceleration and movement, according to FIFA.

FIFA previously used this sensor inside the ball to make a crucial ruling in a Round of 32 matchup between Croatia and Portugal.

Croatia appeared to have scored an equalizer 12 minutes into stoppage time before video review ruled a spike in the sensor confirmed the ball was offside due to contact with Croatia's Igor Matanović. The Croatians were ultimately eliminated from the tournament after the goal was waved off.

"IMU sensors housed within the Trionda ball are capable of determining any slight contact, displayed to viewers in the broadcast as a 'heartbeat graphic', and allowing officials an unprecedented level of data to make fast, accurate decisions," FIFA said at the time.

After the IMU sensor report went England's way Saturday, Bellingham followed up his game-tying goal by bagging a brace in extra time to help his team advance to the semifinal.

England will now face either Argentina or Switzerland for a shot at playing in next Sunday's final.