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England booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging hosts Mexico 3-2 in a pulsating Round of 16 encounter at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday night.
Jude Bellingham struck twice in the space of two minutes before captain Harry Kane converted a second-half penalty as Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame the challenge of playing with 10 men for more than 35 minutes to seal one of their most memorable World Cup victories.
The Three Lions took control in the 36th minute when Bukayo Saka’s inviting cross found Bellingham, who powered home a header to silence the home crowd. Barely two minutes later, Bellingham doubled England’s advantage after combining brilliantly with Kane before finishing beyond goalkeeper Raúl Rangel.
Mexico responded almost immediately as Julián Quiñones capitalised on a defensive error to volley home in the 42nd minute, reducing the deficit before half-time. Jordan Pickford then produced a crucial save, while Bellingham made a goal-line clearance to preserve England’s lead.
England suffered a major setback early in the second half when defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Jesús Gallardo, forcing Tuchel’s men to play the remainder of the contest with 10 players.
Despite being a man down, England restored their two-goal cushion on the hour mark after Anthony Gordon was fouled by Rangel inside the penalty area. Kane calmly converted from the spot to make it 3-1.
Mexico refused to surrender, with Raúl Jiménez converting a penalty in the 69th minute after Kane fouled Brian Gutiérrez inside the box. The hosts piled on sustained pressure in the closing stages, but England’s defence stood firm, with Pickford producing a series of vital saves to preserve the lead.
Bellingham was the standout performer, delivering an outstanding display at both ends of the pitch. In addition to scoring twice, the midfielder made a crucial goal-line clearance before leading England’s defensive effort after Quansah’s dismissal.
The victory was historic for England, who became the first nation to defeat Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in a FIFA World Cup match. It also secured the Three Lions a third consecutive World Cup quarter-final appearance, equalling their best run in the competition.
England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals after Erling Haaland inspired the Scandinavian side to a shock 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil.
