July 6 (THEWILL) — England overcame a second-half red card and a spirited comeback from co-hosts Mexico to claim a thrilling 3-2 victory on Sunday, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel’s side showed remarkable resilience at the Estadio Azteca, surviving more than 40 minutes with 10 men to end Mexico’s impressive unbeaten run and set up a last-eight meeting with Norway.
Jude Bellingham was the catalyst for England’s blistering first-half display, scoring twice in the space of just 98 seconds to stun the home crowd and put the Three Lions firmly in control.
The midfielder’s quick-fire double handed England a 2-0 advantage in a stadium where Mexico had never previously suffered defeat at a FIFA World Cup.
The hosts, however, refused to be overwhelmed and found a lifeline before the break when Julián Quiñones pulled one back, ensuring the contest remained finely balanced heading into the second half.
The match took another dramatic turn shortly after the restart when defender Jarell Quansah was sent off following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review for a dangerous challenge, leaving England to play the remainder of the game with 10 men.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, England restored their two-goal cushion on the hour mark.
Harry Kane calmly converted from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was brought down inside the area, giving the visitors breathing space.
Mexico continued to press relentlessly and reduced the deficit once again when Raúl Jiménez converted a penalty after a VAR review awarded the hosts a spot-kick.
Backed by a passionate home crowd, Mexico launched wave after wave of attacks in search of an equaliser, but England’s defence stood firm under intense pressure to preserve their narrow advantage until the final whistle.
The defeat brings an end to Mexico’s outstanding tournament campaign, during which the co-hosts won all four of their previous matches and had not conceded a goal before facing England. It also ended their long-standing unbeaten World Cup record at the Estadio Azteca.
For England, the victory represents another significant milestone under Tuchel, sending the Three Lions into a third consecutive World Cup quarter-final for the first time since the 1960s and 1970s.
England will now face Norway in Miami after the Scandinavian side produced one of the shocks of the tournament by eliminating five-time champions Brazil earlier on Sunday.
