The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered one of its most dramatic moments yet as England knocked out co-hosts Mexico with a heroic 3-2 victory at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Thomas Tuchel’s side showed immense character to overcome a hostile atmosphere, a delayed kick-off, and a second-half red card to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Match Summary
In what is already being called one of the greatest knockout matches in World Cup history, England produced a performance of grit, skill, and resilience to silence the raucous Azteca crowd. Mexico entered the match having won four consecutive games without conceding a single goal, but that streak was shattered in spectacular fashion.
Jude Bellingham was the hero of the first half, scoring twice in the space of just 98 seconds. The first came in the 36th minute when Declan Rice launched a counter-attack, Bukayo Saka delivered a pinpoint cross, and Bellingham powered his header past the Mexican goalkeeper. Before Mexico could regroup, England struck again from the kick-off — Harry Kane squared the ball and Bellingham bundled it home to make it 2-0.
Mexico pulled one back before half-time through Julian Quinones, and the second half descended into chaos. England defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card in the 54th minute for a reckless challenge, reducing the Three Lions to 10 men with over 35 minutes still to play.
Remarkably, England responded immediately. Harry Kane coolly slotted home a penalty after Anthony Gordon was brought down, making it 3-1 and scoring his sixth goal of the tournament. Mexico hit back again through Raul Jimenez from the spot, but England’s defense — marshalled by the towering Dan Burn and Djed Spence after Tuchel switched to a back five — held firm through 11 minutes of added time.
Key Moments
- 36′ — Bellingham header (1-0)
- 38′ — Bellingham second goal (2-0)
- 43′ — Quinones pull-back (2-1)
- 54′ — Quansah red card
- 60′ — Kane penalty (3-1)
- 69′ — Jimenez penalty (3-2)
- 90+11′ — Full time after heroic defending
What They Said
Harry Kane (England captain): “I think it’s one that we’ll remember for the rest of our lives. We found a deep desire from within to get through this game, and I just couldn’t be prouder of the boys.”
Declan Rice: “That’s probably the best England result I’ve experienced, probably the best away day I’ve had in an England shirt.”
Thomas Tuchel (England head coach): “That is proper mentality. This team really mean it. When the going gets tough, they never give up, they never lose belief.”
Upcoming Schedule
England now face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday, July 11 at 10 PM UK time at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Norway themselves produced a stunning result, knocking out Brazil 2-0 in the round of 16 with Erling Haaland leading the line.
Other Round of 16 Results (July 6-7)
- Portugal 0-1 Spain
- USA 1-4 Belgium
- Argentina vs Egypt — kicks off 5 PM ET today
- Switzerland vs Colombia — kicks off 9 PM ET today
FAQ
When is the England vs Norway quarter-final?
Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 10 PM UK time (5 PM ET) at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami.
What is England’s route to the final?
If England beat Norway in the quarter-final, they will face either the Argentina/Egypt winner or Switzerland/Colombia winner in the semi-final on Wednesday, July 15 in Atlanta. The final is on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Who scored for England against Mexico?
Jude Bellingham scored twice (36′, 38′) and Harry Kane scored a penalty (60′).
This article was published on July 7, 2026. Follow PC Master Deals for more World Cup 2026 coverage.