England Triumphs Over Mexico to Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals
England Advances After Thrilling Match
Photo: @SGazetteSport/X
Mexico City, July 6: Jude Bellingham netted two goals, and Harry Kane successfully converted a penalty, leading England to a victory against co-hosts Mexico in a thrilling last-16 match, paving the way for a quarter-final clash with Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
This marks the second consecutive time England has reached the quarter-finals in three World Cups, following their appearances in 1962, 1966, and 1970.
Historically, this was only the second World Cup encounter between Mexico and England, with the latter previously winning 2-0 during the group stage in 1966, a tournament they ultimately won.
The victory also ended Mexico's unbeaten streak at the Mexico City Stadium during World Cup matches. This was England's first appearance at this venue in 40 years, since their 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the 1986 quarter-finals.
The match, which experienced a one-hour delay due to inclement weather, is likely to be remembered as a classic, especially as England played with ten men for over 40 minutes after Jarell Quansah received a red card early in the second half.
At that point, England was leading 2-1, thanks to two quick goals from Bellingham, before Julian Quinones scored for Mexico. Kane's penalty, awarded after a foul on Anthony Gordon, extended England's lead to 3-1, but Raul Jimenez's penalty brought Mexico back to 3-2, setting up a tense finish.
Mexico started strong, dominating possession early on, but Bellingham's rapid double shifted momentum in favor of England. He first scored with a header from Bukayo Saka's cross, then quickly added a second goal after a setup from Kane.
Mexico responded swiftly, with Quinones scoring a powerful shot past Jordan Pickford. The co-hosts gained confidence, and only a remarkable save from Pickford kept Jimenez from equalizing before halftime.
In the second half, Nico O’Reilly hit the post, and shortly after, Quansah was sent off for a foul on Jesus Gallardo. Following this, Mexico's goalkeeper Raul Rangel fouled Gordon in the box, leading to Kane's penalty, which he converted for his sixth goal of the tournament.
However, Kane was soon involved in another penalty situation, this time conceding a penalty to Mexico after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Brian Gutierrez. Jimenez scored from the spot, narrowing the gap to 3-2.
Mexico pressed hard for an equalizer that could have forced extra time, but England's defense held strong, allowing them to look ahead to their quarter-final match against Norway in Miami on July 11.