England survive Mexico fightback to reach World Cup Quarter-finals

England produced one of the performances of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating hosts Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling Round of 16 encounter at the iconic Estadio Azteca, ending El Tri's unbeaten World Cup record at the famous venue.

Jude Bellingham scored twice in just 98 seconds before Harry Kane converted a crucial second-half penalty as England held off a fierce Mexican comeback despite playing the final stages with 10 men.

The victory sends the Three Lions into the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway for a place in the last four.

Bellingham silences the Azteca

Backed by more than 80,000 passionate supporters, Mexico entered the match unbeaten in 10 World Cup games at Estadio Azteca, including three victories during this year's tournament.

However, England stunned the home crowd with two devastating blows before halftime. The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute when Jude Bellingham rose highest to power a header into the net.

Just two minutes later, Harry Kane turned provider, slipping a perfectly weighted pass to Bellingham, who calmly finished to double England's advantage. The Real Madrid midfielder's quickfire double completely changed the momentum of the contest.

Mexico fight back before the break

The hosts refused to surrender. Julián Quiñones reduced the deficit in the 42nd minute, reigniting hopes around the stadium and ensuring Mexico entered halftime trailing by only one goal.

The strike rewarded Mexico's attacking persistence after a difficult opening period.

Red card changes the match

Mexico's chances improved dramatically shortly after the restart.

England defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card in the 54th minute following a dangerous challenge on Jesús Gallardo, leaving Thomas Tuchel's side to play more than half an hour with ten men.

With the numerical advantage, Mexico increased the pressure and looked capable of completing the comeback.

Kane delivers under pressure

Despite being down to ten men, England found another breakthrough. A foul by Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel inside the penalty area handed England a spot-kick after VAR confirmed the decision.

Harry Kane stepped forward and confidently converted to restore England's two-goal cushion. The strike carried additional historical significance.

It was Kane's sixth goal of the tournament and his 14th career FIFA World Cup goal, drawing him level with German legend Gerd Müller in fifth place on the competition's all-time scoring list.

Mexico push England to the limit

The drama was far from over. Soon after scoring, Kane conceded a penalty at the opposite end, becoming the first player since at least 1966 to both score and concede a penalty in the same FIFA World Cup match.

Veteran striker Raúl Jiménez calmly converted from the spot to make it 3-2 and set up a nervy finale. Mexico threw everything forward during the closing stages and the 11 minutes of stoppage time.

However, England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced several crucial interventions while the defence stood firm under relentless pressure. The final whistle confirmed England's place in the last eight.

The victory not only secured England's progression but also ended one of the World Cup's longest-standing home records. Mexico had never previously lost a World Cup match at Estadio Azteca before Sunday's dramatic encounter.

For El Tri, the defeat extends decades of frustration in the knockout stages.

Mexico have now failed to reach the World Cup quarter-finals since hosting the tournament in 1986, suffering another heartbreaking Round of 16 exit despite home support and a spirited second-half display.

England now turn their attention to Norway, with a place in the semi-finals firmly within reach.

SportsLigue