Thomas Tuchel’s England survived a strong fightback from Mexico to book its place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals for the third consecutive tournament with an exciting 3-2 victory at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday. Jude Bellingham scored twice, while Harry Kane added a penalty as England overcame the co-hosts despite playing with 10 men.
England made life difficult for itself but handed Mexico its first-ever World Cup defeat at the famous Azteca Stadium. The win set up a quarterfinal clash with Norway, which stunned Brazil 2-1 earlier Sunday.
Mexico, which defeated Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32 to earn its first knockout-stage victory in 40 years, had lost only two competitive matches in 89 games at the Azteca since 1966. England became just the third team to beat Mexico there with a display of attacking quality and determined defending.
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“It was a crazy game,” Kane said. “We had to fight. We had to find something. I can’t really talk. Yeah, the occasion, the team, everything against us. We found a way.”
The match was delayed by an hour because of thunderstorms. Once play began, Mexico started brightly with the support of its passionate home fans, but England stayed composed and gradually settled into the game.
Mexico’s best early opportunity came in the 15th minute when Raul Jimenez’s diving header from Roberto Alvarado’s accurate cross was brilliantly saved by Jordan Pickford.
Pickford was making his 17th World Cup appearance, tying goalkeeper Peter Shilton’s record for the most World Cup appearances by an England men’s player.
Bellingham gave England the lead just after the half-hour mark with a superb diving header from Bukayo Saka’s cross. Two minutes later, he doubled the advantage after another attack down the right, with captain Harry Kane providing the assist.
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The home crowd responded with chants of “Yes we can,” and Mexico pulled one back when winger Julian Quinones volleyed home from close range after a scramble following a free kick.
Early in the second half, England nearly extended its lead when Nico O’Reilly struck the post. However, the visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 54th minute after defender Jarell Quansah was shown a red card following a VAR review for a high sliding challenge on Jesus Gallardo.
Quansah became only the fourth England player to be sent off in a World Cup match.
Despite being a man down, England remained calm. Anthony Gordon was brought down by goalkeeper Raul Rangel after running through on goal, and Kane confidently converted the resulting penalty on the hour mark to make it 3-1.
