England held off a spirited Mexico comeback to secure a 3-2 victory at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday and book a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face Norway.
Jude Bellingham scored twice before Harry Kane added a penalty as England overcame a second-half red card for Jarell Quansah to eliminate the co-hosts in one of the tournament’s most dramatic Round of 16 matches.
The victory came after a one-hour delay caused by severe storms and ended Mexico’s impressive home record at the Azteca, where they had lost only two of their previous 89 competitive matches.
England take control before the break
England made a composed start despite the hostile atmosphere created by more than 80,000 home supporters.
Bellingham put Thomas Tuchel’s side in command with two goals in the space of 98 seconds before half-time, capping a dominant first-half display.
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Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also played a key role, producing two outstanding saves to deny Raul Jimenez before Julian Quinones reduced the deficit with a powerful finish three minutes before the interval.
Red card changes the game
England’s task became significantly harder early in the second half when Quansah was sent off for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo.
Mexico responded by increasing the pressure, but England restored their two-goal advantage after Anthony Gordon was fouled by goalkeeper Raul Rangel, allowing Kane to convert from the penalty spot.
The hosts refused to give up and pulled another goal back when Kane was penalised for a challenge on Brian Gutierrez inside the area. Jimenez converted the resulting penalty to make it 3-2.
With Mexico pressing for an equaliser, Tuchel introduced Dan Burn and Djed Spence, switching to a five-man defence as England survived 11 minutes of stoppage time.
Bellingham shines again
Bellingham delivered another influential performance, not only scoring twice but also making a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Cesar Montes just before half-time when Mexico threatened to level the match.
England’s disciplined approach, combined with key individual performances, helped them cope with the challenges of playing at more than 7,000 feet above sea level and in one of football’s most intimidating stadiums.
Quarter-final against Norway
England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals after the Scandinavian side stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 earlier on Sunday.
Norway’s victory, inspired by a double from Erling Haaland, ensured Brazil exited before the quarter-finals for the first time since 1990, setting up a last-eight meeting with England.
