Jude Bellingham has scored twice. Harry Kane has set one up unselfishly. Jordan Pickford has produced a save that deserved its own standing ovation. And Julián Quiñones has given Mexico a lifeline right on the stroke of half-time. The Estadio Azteca is absolutely rocking — and England lead Mexico 2–1 after 45 breathless minutes at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 16.
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Rice Books In, Pickford Bails Out
The match started at full throttle. Declan Rice was booked in the very first minute — a heavy, early challenge that set the tone for just how intense this tie was going to be. One yellow card already in, England’s midfield anchor will need to be careful in the second half.
Mexico had the first real chance of the match. In the 15th minute, Roberto Alvarado whipped a dangerous cross from the right wing into the England box. Raúl Jiménez evaded his marker and got a powerful header away. Jordan Pickford flung himself to his near post and produced a brilliant diving save to keep the score level. Pickford has been excellent — and England needed every bit of it.
Four minutes later, teenage sensation Gilberto Mora found a pocket of space just outside the England penalty area. His goalbound effort looked dangerous. A wall of recovering England defenders got in the way and blocked it. Mexico were creating — but finding no reward.
Bellingham Takes Over
Then Jude Bellingham happened.
In the 36th minute, Bukayo Saka delivered a precise cross from the right. Bellingham, arriving with perfect timing, powered a header past Raúl Rangel. 1–0. England had the lead and Bellingham had his name on the scoresheet.
Two minutes later, Mexico gave the ball away cheaply. England pounced immediately. Harry Kane — captain, leader collected and slid the ball across to Bellingham, who tapped in from close range. Kane could have shot. He chose the easier ball. 2–0. England had doubled their lead in the space of 120 seconds.
Mexico Fight Back — Quiñones Gives the Azteca Hope
The Estadio Azteca has seen everything. It has seen the Hand of God, two World Cup finals, and decades of Mexican heartbreak and triumph. This crowd was not going to accept a two-goal deficit quietly.
In the 42nd minute, Ezri Konsa’s clearance dropped unpredictably — and it fell directly to Julián Quiñones. With the England defence momentarily scrambled, Quiñones reacted instantly and fired the ball past Pickford. 2–1. The Azteca erupted. Mexico had given themselves a fighting chance.
England almost conceded again from a late corner, but Bellingham was alert near the far post — reacting quickly to a dangerous deflection and kicking the ball out of play before César Montes could reach it. A sharp, intelligent piece of defending from England’s most influential player. He is everywhere tonight.
What to Watch in the Second Half
The question hanging over every England supporter right now: can Bellingham complete a hat-trick? He has two goals, endless energy, and the Azteca crowd desperately hoping the answer is no.
For Mexico, the aerial threat is real. They have caused England problems from crosses and set pieces all half — Jiménez remains dangerous, and Declan Rice, already on a yellow card, is one reckless challenge away from spending the second half in the dressing room.
England lead. But they are not safe. Not here. Not at the Azteca.
The second half is about to kick off. Watch Mexico vs England live on ZEE 5 — the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 16 action continues in India right now.
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