Ten-man England booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after holding off a spirited Mexico fightback to claim a thrilling 3-2 victory in the five-goal thriller at the Estadio Azteca.
The Three Lions extended their unbeaten run to seven matches and set up a last-eight clash with Norway after overcoming both a hostile atmosphere and a second-half red card in an absorbing encounter.
Following an hour’s delay, the co-hosts made the brighter start and nearly took the lead inside the opening minutes when Raúl Jiménez’s close-range diving header was brilliantly turned away by Jordan Pickford.
England gradually settled into the contest and broke the deadlock in the 36th minute.
Bukayo Saka delivered a teasing cross that Jude Bellingham powered home before the midfielder struck again just two minutes later, finishing Harry Kane’s square pass to double England’s advantage and register his fourth goal of the tournament.
Mexico responded before the break as Julián Quiñones rifled past Pickford to reduce the deficit, drawing level as his country’s all-time leading FIFA World Cup goalscorer.
The hosts almost found an equaliser before half-time, but Pickford produced another outstanding save to deny Jiménez.
England’s task became more difficult early in the second half when Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card after a VAR review for a reckless challenge.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Thomas Tuchel’s side restored their two-goal cushion on the hour mark.
Kane calmly converted from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was fouled by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel.
Mexico refused to surrender and were awarded a penalty following another VAR intervention after Kane fouled an opponent inside the area.
Jiménez made no mistake from the spot to cut the deficit to 3-2 and set up a tense finish.
The hosts threw everything forward in the closing stages, but England defended resolutely to secure victory and eliminate the co-hosts from the tournament.
The result sends England into the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway on Saturday as they continue their pursuit of a first World Cup title since 1966.
For Mexico, the defeat ends a 12-match unbeaten run and extends their wait for a first FIFA World Cup quarter-final appearance since hosting the tournament in 1986.
