Kha Y Tran England reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals after a thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico. The match took place at the famous Estadio Azteca. Although England played with 10 men for most of the second half, they still held on for victory.
Jude Bellingham scored twice in the first half. Harry Kane added another goal from the penalty spot. Meanwhile, Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez kept Mexico in the game until the final whistle. As a result, England will now face Norway in the quarterfinals.
Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydx1L0aDj_c
England Stay Calm in a Difficult Atmosphere
The match started one hour late because of heavy storms in Mexico City. England also had to deal with the high altitude and a loud home crowd. Therefore, Thomas Tuchel told his players to stay patient.
Instead of pressing high, England played a slower game. Jordan Pickford often kicked the ball long to avoid Mexico’s pressure. As a result, neither team created many chances early on.
Mexico nearly scored after 15 minutes. Raúl Jiménez headed the ball toward goal. However, Pickford made an excellent save.
Raul Jimenez had the first shot on goal (Photo: Reuters)
Bellingham Scores Twice in Two Minutes
The game changed after the cooling break. England struck first in the 36th minute. Declan Rice carried the ball forward before passing to Bukayo Saka. Saka then crossed perfectly for Jude Bellingham, who headed home.
Photo: Reuters
Only two minutes later, England scored again. Bellingham won the ball high up the pitch. He combined with Harry Kane before finishing from close range. Suddenly, England led 2-0.
The quick goals shocked Mexico.
Photo: Reuters
Bellingham scored a brace in just two minutes (Photo: Reuters)
Mexico Fight Back Before Halftime
However, the home side responded well. Mexico attacked with more confidence and pushed England deeper. Soon after, they found a way back into the match.
In the 42nd minute, a dangerous free kick caused confusion inside England’s box. Julián Quiñones reacted first and fired into the net. The goal gave Mexico fresh belief.
During the final minutes of the half, Mexico created several more chances. Nevertheless, Pickford stayed strong. England entered halftime with a 2-1 lead.
Quinnes then scored to reduce the deficit for the Mexican national team (Photo: Reuters)
Red Card Changes Everything
The second half began with more drama. England almost scored again in the 49th minute. However, Nico O’Reilly’s long-range effort hit the post.
Five minutes later, the game changed completely. After a VAR review, Jarell Quansah received a red card. England were reduced to 10 players. Even so, the Three Lions did not panic.
Instead, they defended well and waited for counterattacks.
Photo: Reuters
Quansah received a red card and was sent off (Photo: Reuters)
Kane Gives England a Bigger Lead
England earned a penalty in the 60th minute. Harry Kane stepped up and calmly scored. His goal made it 3-1 despite England having one player fewer.
Photo: Reuters
However, the drama was not over. VAR checked another incident only minutes later. This time, Mexico received a penalty.
Raúl Jiménez converted the spot kick in the 69th minute. Therefore, the score became 3-2.
Photo: Reuters
England Defend Until the Final Whistle
The final 20 minutes were full of pressure. Mexico attacked almost constantly. They sent cross after cross into the penalty area. Meanwhile, England defended with every player behind the ball.
Pickford made more important saves. The defenders also blocked several dangerous shots. Although Mexico dominated possession, they could not score again.
Finally, the referee blew the final whistle. England celebrated a dramatic 3-2 victory.
England are still holding firm against Mexico’s attacks (Photo: Reuters)
Pickford Leads the Defense
Jordan Pickford was one of England’s best players. He made several outstanding saves throughout the match. In addition, he stayed calm under heavy pressure.
His performance helped England protect their narrow lead. Furthermore, he matched Peter Shilton’s record for World Cup appearances by an England goalkeeper.
England attempts to thwart Mexico’s attacks (Photo: Reuters)
Bellingham Shines Again
Jude Bellingham produced another brilliant display. His two quick goals changed the game. Moreover, he worked hard in midfield and helped England defend after the red card.
Harry Kane also played a key role. Besides scoring the winning goal, he led the team during the toughest moments.
Together, Bellingham and Kane once again proved why they are England’s biggest stars.
England Prepare for Norway
England will now face Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals. Norway have impressed throughout the tournament. Erling Haaland has been their biggest threat. Therefore, England must improve before the next match.
Still, this victory showed England’s character. They won away from home. They played in difficult conditions and they also survived with only 10 players for almost an entire half.
If they continue to show the same determination, England will remain one of the strongest contenders for the FIFA World Cup 2026 title.
Final Score: Mexico 2-3 England
Goals: Julián Quiñones (42′), Raúl Jiménez (69′ pen) — Jude Bellingham (36′, 38′), Harry Kane (60′ pen)
Red Card: Jarell Quansah (England, 54′)
Read more:
World Cup 2026: England Fight Back to Beat DR Congo
World Cup 2026: Mexico Shine in Emotional Victory
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