England overcame a second-half red card and a late Mexican onslaught to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over hosts Mexico, booking their place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Three Lions will now face Norway on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida, with a place in the semifinals at stake of beating Brazil earlier.
Jude Bellingham inspired England with two goals in the space of 98 seconds during the first half before Harry Kane’s penalty proved decisive despite England playing with 10 men for more than half an hour.
Backed by a crowd of 80,824 at Estadio Banorte, Mexico entered the Round of 16 clash unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches at the famous venue, including three victories during this year’s tournament.
England silenced the home supporters in the 36th minute when Bellingham rose highest to head home the opener.
Just two minutes later, the Real Madrid midfielder struck again after being set up by Kane, giving England a commanding 2-0 lead.
Mexico responded before halftime through Julián Quiñones, who reduced the deficit in the 42nd minute to keep the hosts firmly in the contest.
The momentum appeared to swing in Mexico’s favour nine minutes after the restart when England defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card in the 54th minute for a dangerous challenge on Jesús Gallardo.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, England restored their two-goal cushion after Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel brought down an England attacker inside the penalty area.
Kane calmly converted from the spot in the 60th minute, scoring his sixth goal of the tournament and his 14th career World Cup goal.
The England captain’s strike drew him level with West Germany legend Gerd Müller for fifth on the all-time FIFA World Cup scoring chart.
Mexico refused to surrender and were handed a lifeline when Kane conceded a penalty.
Raúl Jiménez converted from the spot in the 69th minute with a composed stutter-step finish to cut England’s lead to 3-2.
The hosts dominated the closing stages, launching wave after wave of attacks during 11 minutes of added time.
Jiménez fired off target from a dangerous cross before his bicycle-kick effort was bravely blocked by Dan Burn at point-blank range, with Declan Rice also making a crucial defensive intervention.
Jordan Pickford remained composed under sustained pressure, collecting a looping deflection in stoppage time before England’s defence survived successive corners in the dying moments.
John Stones produced a desperate clearance with Mexican attackers closing in, while Morgan Rogers also cleared another dangerous delivery as England held on for victory.
The result extends Mexico’s long wait for a World Cup quarterfinal appearance, having failed to progress beyond the Round of 16 since hosting the tournament in 1986.
(The Whistler)
