England advance to quarterfinals after 3-2 victory over Mexico in storm-delayed match at Estadio Azteca.
England booked their place in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Sunday. The match was delayed by one hour due to a thunderstorm.
Jude Bellingham scored twice in the first half, and Harry Kane converted a second-half penalty, enough to secure the win despite a red card to Jarell Quansah and a late penalty for Mexico.
England will face Norway in the quarterfinals, who advanced after defeating Brazil 2-1 earlier on Sunday.
Match Timeline
First Half
- 36th minute: Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with a diving header, assisted by a cross (reported by some sources as from Bukayo Saka).
- 38th minute: Bellingham scored again less than two minutes later, assisted by a pass from Harry Kane, giving England a 2-0 lead.
- 44th minute: Julián Quiñones pulled one back for Mexico off a set piece (described as a corner kick or a free kick), reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Second Half
- 54th minute: England defender Jarell Quansah received a red card after a VAR review for a tackle on Jesús Gallardo. England played with 10 men for the remainder of the match (36 minutes plus 11 minutes of stoppage time).
- 60th minute: England was awarded a penalty after goalkeeper Raúl Rangel fouled Anthony Gordon. Harry Kane converted the penalty, extending the lead to 3-1.
- Later: Mexico was awarded a penalty after VAR reviewed a foul by Harry Kane on Brian Gutiérrez (reported as a foul on a different Mexican player by some sources). Raúl Jiménez converted, making the score 3-2.
Late Stages
- Mexico had several scoring opportunities in the final 20 minutes and 11 minutes of stoppage time.
- England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made three saves to preserve the lead.
Key Facts & Statistics
- England's performance: This marks the third consecutive World Cup in which England has reached the quarterfinals. Thomas Tuchel made three changes to the starting lineup, with Quansah playing at right-back due to an injury to Reece James.
- Mexico's record: Mexico's loss was only their third defeat in 90 competitive matches at Estadio Azteca. Their 10-match winning streak at the stadium ended.
- Scoring: Harry Kane's goal was his sixth of the tournament, placing him one behind the Golden Boot leaders.
- Match conditions: The match was played at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level.
Next Match
England will face Norway in the quarterfinals.
Norway advanced after defeating Brazil 2-1 earlier on Sunday.