England beat co-hosts Mexico 3–2 at the Estadio Azteca to advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ quarter-finals, where they will face Norway. Mexico became the second co-host nation to be eliminated from the tournament after Canada, bowing out in a dramatic Round of 16 match that Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and a resolute Jordan Pickford ultimately decided.
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Pickford Sets the Tone
Mexico dominated early possession and created the first real danger of the match. In the 15th minute, Roberto Alvarado swung a perfect cross from the right, and Raúl Jiménez shook off his marker to get a powerful header away towards the near post. Pickford flung himself low and made a spectacular reflex save. Without that stop, this evening could have gone very differently.
Bellingham’s Brace Silences the Azteca
The match had barely resumed after the first hydration break, and England were up 2–0.
In the 36th minute, Bukayo Saka looped an excellent ball to the far post on the counter-attack. Bellingham outjumped the Mexican defence and smashed a header into the net.
Ninety-eight seconds later, it was two. Elliot Anderson won the ball back in midfield, fed Anthony Gordon, who played it to Harry Kane. Kane — selfless as ever — squared it right back to the onrushing Bellingham, who swept it in cleanly. Two goals in two minutes. The Estadio Azteca fell almost silent.
Mexico hit back before the break. Off an Alvarado free-kick, Ezri Konsa failed to clear properly, and the ball dropped to Julián Quiñones, who blasted a stunning volley into the roof of the net. 2–1. The home crowd were back. Half-time arrived at a breathless 2–1.
Red Card Changes Everything
The second half began — and within nine minutes, everything changed.
England right-back Jarell Quansah committed a dangerous tackle on Jesús Gallardo. VAR reviewed. The referee reached for his pocket. Straight red card. England were down to ten men with more than 35 minutes still to play, in front of 87,000 passionate Mexican supporters.
Then England immediately made it 3–1.
Goalkeeper Raúl Rangel rushed out and brought down Anthony Gordon inside the box. Penalty. Kane stepped up. Cool, composed, inevitable. He fired it beneath Rangel’s diving arms. 3–1. England had somehow extended their lead despite having a man sent off.
Mexico Storm Back — But Pickford Will Not Break
Mexico were not finished. In the 69th minute, Harry Kane tripped Brian Gutiérrez in the box — a penalty at the other end. Raúl Jiménez stepped up and sent Pickford the wrong way. 3–2. The Estadio Azteca was thunderous.
What followed was a defensive siege unlike anything England had endured in recent memory. Mexico pressed relentlessly for twenty-plus minutes, winning twelve corners in total across the match and unleashing 22 shots at goal against a ten-man England side that gave up 62% of possession. England touched the ball just 28% of the time.
Pickford was immense. The makeshift English backline — reorganised and stretched after the red card — held their shape, blocked crosses, threw themselves in front of shots, and rode the relentless Mexican pressure all the way to the final whistle.
The whistle came. England had held. 3–2.
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What Comes Next
Bellingham has now scored three goals in this tournament. Kane has led with intelligence, unselfishness, and a cold penalty strike when it mattered most. Tuchel’s England, battered and a man short, showed something important tonight — they know how to suffer and win.
Norway await in the quarter-final. Erling Haaland, fresh from a brace against Brazil, will be England’s biggest test yet. Quansah will serve a suspension. Pickford will need to be at his best again.
One win away from the semi-final. England dare to dream.
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