Mexico and England produced one of the finest matches of the 2026 World Cup, with the Three Lions winning 3-2 despite finishing the game with ten men, in a thrilling contest at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. (ESPN)
Bellingham fires England ahead early
England started fast, with Jude Bellingham scoring a quickfire brace to put his side 2-0 up by the 38th minute. Mexico responded immediately, as Julián Quiñones pulled one back with a superb strike just four minutes later, making it 2-1 at half-time.
Quansah's red card complicates matters
England's task got harder in the 54th minute when defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card following a VAR review, for a dangerous challenge on Mexico's Jesús Gallardo. Despite being down to ten men, England didn't lose their composure. (Al Jazeera)
Kane restores the two-goal cushion
Shortly after the red card, England won a penalty when Raúl Rangel brought down forward Anthony Gordon in the box, and captain Harry Kane converted it for a third goal around the hour mark, restoring a two-goal lead at 3-1. But Mexico weren't finished, winning a penalty of their own that Raúl Jiménez converted to make it 3-2.
England hold firm to the final whistle
Despite mounting Mexican pressure in a rocking Azteca, England's defence, marshalled by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, held on to secure a hard-fought win, eliminating hosts Mexico and keeping England's title hopes alive.
A date with Norway in Miami
The win sets up a quarter-final against Norway, fresh off their shock elimination of Brazil, in Miami on Saturday — a tie pitting England's rising star Bellingham against Norway's in-form Haaland.
Follow Malaab Al-An for full coverage of the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals.