England produced a stirring display to defeat hosts Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling FIFA 2026 World Cup Round of 16 clash at the Azteca Stadium, booking a quarter-final showdown with Erling Haaland’s Norway.
Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame a second-half red card for Jarell Quansah and a hostile atmosphere in Mexico City to claim one of their finest victories on foreign soil.
The match was delayed by an hour because of severe storms, but England made a blistering start once play began.
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Jude Bellingham inspired the Three Lions with two goals in the space of 98 seconds before half-time, stunning a Mexico side that had lost just two of their previous 89 competitive matches at the Azteca Stadium.
Jordan Pickford also played a key role, producing two outstanding saves to deny Raul Jimenez before Julian Quinones reduced the deficit with a powerful strike three minutes before the interval.
England’s task became even more difficult early in the second half when Quansah was sent off for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, the visitors restored their two-goal advantage after Anthony Gordon was fouled by goalkeeper Raul Rangel, allowing Harry Kane to convert from the penalty spot.
Mexico refused to give in, however, and Jimenez scored from another penalty after Kane fouled Brian Gutierrez inside the area to make it 3-2.
With Mexico piling on the pressure in front of a roaring home crowd, Tuchel introduced Dan Burn and Djed Spence and switched to a five-man defence.
England held firm through 11 minutes of stoppage time to seal a memorable victory and advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face Norway for a place in the semifinals.
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