2026 FIFA World Cup – Last 16
Mexico….2
England…3
England booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals after overcoming hosts Mexico in a dramatic 3-2 victory at the Azteca Stadium, despite playing much of the second half with 10 men. Thomas Tuchel’s side will now face Norway in the last eight after producing a resilient display in one of the standout matches of the tournament.
Jude Bellingham was the driving force behind England’s success, scoring twice in quick succession during the first half to stun the home crowd. However, Mexico refused to surrender and ensured the contest remained finely balanced until the final whistle.
The hosts made the brighter start, with Raúl Jiménez forcing an excellent save from Jordan Pickford with a powerful header. England gradually settled into the game, and after Anthony Gordon threatened down the left, Bellingham broke the deadlock by heading home an inviting cross from Bukayo Saka.
Barely a minute later, the England national football team midfielder doubled the advantage, finishing from close range after Harry Kane’s low delivery found him inside the six-yard box. Mexico responded swiftly through Julián Quiñones, whose clinical finish reduced the deficit and reignited the home support before half-time.
England’s task became significantly harder early in the second half when Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a high challenge.
Despite being a man down, the visitors restored their two-goal cushion when Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot after Gordon was brought down. Mexico again responded from 12 yards, with Jiménez calmly dispatching his penalty to make it 3-2.
The closing stages saw relentless pressure from the hosts, backed by a passionate Azteca crowd, but England defended resolutely. Pickford produced several crucial saves, while the defence withstood 11 minutes of stoppage time to secure a memorable victory and a place in the quarter-finals.
