England produced a spirited display despite playing more than half an hour with 10 men, defeating co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.
A brilliant first-half brace from Jude Bellingham and a second-half penalty from captain Harry Kane proved enough to send the Three Lions into the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway in Miami after the Scandinavians stunned Brazil earlier in the day.
England took control of the contest with two quick-fire goals from Bellingham. The Real Madrid midfielder opened the scoring in the 36th minute before doubling England’s advantage just two minutes later, giving Thomas Tuchel’s side a commanding lead.
Mexico responded before the break when Julián Quiñones reduced the deficit in the 42nd minute, ensuring the hosts remained firmly in contention heading into the second half.
England’s task became significantly harder shortly after the restart. Defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card in the 54th minute, forcing the Three Lions to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Despite the setback, England extended their advantage six minutes later after Kane calmly converted a penalty to make it 3-1.
Mexico refused to surrender and pulled another goal back in the 69th minute, with veteran striker Raúl Jiménez converting from the penalty spot to set up a tense finale.
However, England’s depleted defence held firm under sustained Mexican pressure to preserve a memorable victory.
The match carried added historical significance for England, who returned to the Estadio Azteca for the first time in a World Cup knockout match since their infamous 1986 quarter-final defeat to Argentina—a game forever remembered for Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal.
Forty years later, England finally celebrated a victorious World Cup knockout performance at the legendary venue.
England’s reward is a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown against an inspired Norway side that shocked tournament favourites Brazil with a stunning 2-1 victory.
The result also ended Mexico’s home World Cup campaign, making El Tri the second co-host nation to be eliminated after Canada’s defeat to Morocco.
Attention now turns to the United States, the tournament’s remaining host nation, who will face Belgium in their Round of 16 encounter.
With Bellingham continuing to shine and England demonstrating resilience under immense pressure, the Three Lions remain firmly in the hunt for FIFA World Cup glory despite surviving one of their toughest tests of the tournament.
Credit Photo : FA
