England advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Monday.
The Round of 16 clash was delayed by an hour due to severe weather, but the match lived up to expectations as England overcame a hostile atmosphere and a second-half red card to secure victory.
Jude Bellingham was the star of the show, scoring twice in the space of 98 seconds before halftime to put England firmly in control. The midfielder opened the scoring in the 36th minute before doubling the lead two minutes later.
Mexico responded before the break when Julian Quiñones struck in the 42nd minute to reduce the deficit and give the home crowd hope.
England’s task became more difficult nine minutes into the second half when defender Jarell Quansah was sent off for a high challenge on Jesús Gallardo.
Despite being down to 10 men, England restored their two-goal cushion in the 60th minute. Harry Kane converted a penalty after Anthony Gordon was brought down by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel.
Mexico refused to give up and pulled another goal back nine minutes later. Kane conceded a penalty after fouling Brian Gutiérrez in the box, allowing Raúl Jiménez to score from the spot and make it 3-2.
The hosts piled on the pressure in the closing stages, but England defended resolutely and held on through 11 minutes of stoppage time to seal a memorable win.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford played a crucial role in the victory, producing several important saves, including two outstanding stops from Jiménez, as England weathered Mexico’s attacks.
The result sends Thomas Tuchel’s side into the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway. Bellingham was named Player of the Match following his outstanding performance.
