England Survive Mexico Thriller to Reach FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals

Jude Bellingham scored twice in two minutes as 10-man England defeated co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout match at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Sunday.

The result ended Mexico’s deepest World Cup run in 40 years and sent England into the quarterfinals, where they will face Norway in Miami on Saturday.

Thomas Tuchel’s side were made to work hard for the win, especially after being reduced to 10 men in the second half, but England still managed to hand Mexico their first-ever World Cup defeat at the iconic Azteca Stadium.

Mexico had lost only two competitive matches at the venue in 89 games since 1966, but England became the third side to beat them there.

England broke the deadlock in the 36th minute after a quick counterattack. Declan Rice carried the ball forward before finding Bukayo Saka on the right. Saka delivered into the box, and although the ball missed Harry Kane, Bellingham was in the right place to finish.

The Real Madrid midfielder doubled England’s lead just two minutes later when Kane found him inside the area, allowing Bellingham to fire home with his right foot in the 38th minute.

Mexico pulled one back before halftime through Julian Quinones. A free-kick from the left was sent into the box and fell kindly for Quinones, who smashed the ball into the roof of the net in the 42nd minute to make it 2-1.

The match took another dramatic turn in the 54th minute when Jarrell Quansah was sent off for a tackle on Jesus Gallardo. He became the first England player to be shown a red card at a World Cup since Wayne Rooney against Portugal in 2006.

Despite going down to 10 men, England were awarded a penalty less than five minutes later after Anthony Gordon was brought down by Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel. Kane stepped up and converted from the spot in the 60th minute to restore England’s two-goal lead.

Mexico were then awarded a penalty of their own in the 69th minute after Kane caught the underside of Brian Gutierrez’s foot inside the box. Raul Jimenez kept his composure and scored to make it 3-2.

The closing stages were full of tension, but England held on to secure their place in the last eight.