MEXICO CITY: England secured its spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal after beating Mexico 3-2 at the Mexico City Stadium on Sunday, despite playing the majority of the second half with ten men.
Jude Bellingham rose to the occasion yet again and scored twice in 98 seconds to give England the lead after reaching Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane’s crosses into the box.
Mexico then managed to halve the deficit four minutes later, in the 42nd minute, after Julian Quinones took advantage of a poor clearance by Ezri Konsa to fire the ball into the back of the net.
The co-host gained an advantage nine minutes into the second half after Jarell Quansah was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Jesus Gallardo.
But it was England who struck first in the half after Anthony Gordon was brought down by Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel inside the box before Kane calmly dispatched the subsequent penalty.
Mexico, however, got its own chance from the spot after Kane caught Brian Gutierrez while trying to clear away a loose ball. Raul Jimenez stepped up and found a way past Jordan Pickford to set up an exciting finish.
But in the end Thomas Tuchel’s men managed to hold on and advance to the last-eight and set up a clash against Norway.
