# England Beat Mexico 3-2 in Azteca Thriller to Reach Quarterfinals

> Canonical: https://dubaipress.ae/sports/mexico-vs-england-world-cup-2026/
> Source: https://dubaipress.ae/sports/mexico-vs-england-world-cup-2026/
> Category: Sports
> Author: Danial
> Published: 2026-07-08
> Updated: 2026-07-08

## Summary

England reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals after surviving a dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico in the Round of 16 at Estadio Azteca. In one of the most intense knockout matches of the tournament, Jude Bellingham scored twice in the first half before Harry Kane converted a decisive second-half penalty, while Mexico fought back through Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez.

## Article

England reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals after surviving a dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico in the Round of 16 at Estadio Azteca. In one of the most intense knockout matches of the tournament, Jude Bellingham scored twice in the first half before Harry Kane converted a decisive second-half penalty, while Mexico fought back through Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez.


The match began after a thunderstorm delay, adding more tension to an already emotional night in Mexico City. Backed by a huge home crowd, Mexico started aggressively and tried to use the altitude, atmosphere and early momentum to unsettle England. Their first major chance came through Raúl Jiménez, whose diving header was brilliantly saved by Jordan Pickford.


England gradually settled into the game and began to find space on the right side. The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Jude Bellingham met Bukayo Saka’s cross with a superb header to silence the Azteca crowd and give England a 1-0 lead. Just 98 seconds later, Bellingham struck again, finishing after a quick move involving Harry Kane to make it 2-0.


Mexico responded before halftime. In the 42nd minute, Julián Quiñones finished from inside the box after a scramble following a free kick, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and bringing the crowd back into the contest. The goal changed the emotional rhythm of the match and gave Mexico belief before the break.


The second half brought even more drama. England were reduced to 10 men in the 54th minute when Jarell Quansah was sent off after a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Jesús Gallardo. Mexico sensed an opportunity, but England reacted with composure. Around the hour mark, Anthony Gordon was fouled by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, and Kane calmly converted the penalty to restore England’s two-goal lead at 3-1.


Mexico refused to give up. Kane later conceded a penalty after a defensive foul, and Jiménez converted with a composed finish to make it 3-2. With more than 20 minutes plus stoppage time remaining, Mexico pushed relentlessly for an equaliser, but Pickford and England’s defence held firm under heavy pressure.


From a tactical perspective, England’s victory was built on adaptability and mentality. They began with attacking sharpness, then shifted into survival mode after the red card. Mexico showed passion, energy and courage, but costly defensive errors and missed chances prevented a historic comeback.


With this result, England advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face Norway. Mexico exit the tournament after an emotional campaign, once again falling short of the quarterfinal stage despite a brave performance in front of their home supporters.


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