England secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca to book a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel’s side appeared to be cruising after midfielder Jude Bellingham scored twice in just 98 seconds late in the first half to give England a commanding lead.
Bellingham opened the scoring after connecting with a cross from Bukayo Saka before doubling England’s advantage moments later from a Harry Kane assist, leaving the home supporters stunned.
Mexico, however, responded before the interval through Julián Quiñones, who capitalised on England’s failure to clear a free-kick to reduce the deficit and keep the hosts in contention.
England’s task became even more difficult early in the second half when defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a challenge on Jesús Gallardo.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, England restored their two-goal cushion after goalkeeper Raúl Rangel brought down Anthony Gordon inside the penalty area. Captain Harry Kane stepped up and converted the spot-kick to make it 3-1.
Mexico refused to give up and pulled another goal back when Raúl Jiménez scored from the penalty spot after another VAR review awarded the hosts a penalty.
The closing stages saw Mexico push relentlessly for an equaliser in front of a passionate home crowd, but England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made several crucial saves while the defence held firm to seal victory.
The win sends England into the World Cup quarter-finals for the third consecutive tournament, equalling the country’s best run of successive quarter-final appearances between 1962 and 1970.
England will now face Norway, who produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by eliminating Brazil in the Round of 16.
Bellingham also etched his name into the tournament’s history books, becoming the first player to score twice in a World Cup match at the Estadio Azteca since Diego Maradona achieved the feat for Argentina against Belgium in the 1986 semi-finals.
