Despite losing a player after a red card, England held on in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 showdown against co-hosts, Mexico, to win 3-2 in the early hours of Monday 6 July, 2026 at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico.
The victory, thanks to a brace from Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham, and a penalty from Bayern Munich forward, Harry Kane, takes Thomas Tuchel’s England straight to the quarter finals for the third time back-to-back
The Three Lions made it difficult for themselves after central defender, Jarell Quansah’s rough tackle forced the referee to send him out of the pitch in the 54th minute, however, England went on to slam Mexico with their first defeat of the tournament right on home turf.
England will now slug it out with Norway in the quarter finals on Saturday 11 July, 2026 at 22:00 (WAT) at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, United States (US).
The Vikings stunned Brazil with 2-1 win in New York City, US on Sunday.
The Three Lions went in front in the 36th minute after Arsenal winger, Bukayo Saka, released a fine cross to Bellingham, who converted with a diving header.
Two (2) minutes later, Kane’s cross from the right flank was perfectly converted by Bellingham to make it 2-0 for the European side.
But, Mexico, who were dominant for a large portion of the clash, pulled one back through Al-Qadsiah forward, Julian Quinones, in the 42nd minute; Quinones’goal looked like the El Tri would level as they piled pressure for a equalizer, but, England held on.
In the 60th minute, Kane extended England’s lead with the third from the penalty spot; and after the game was delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms, Mexico launched a fierce attack in search of goals, and their second came in the 69th minute.
Wolverhampton Wanderers striker, Raul Jimenez, netted the second for The Tri from the penalty spot to make it 2-3, but, it was not enough to inspire them to a comeback as England stood firm and weathered every attack.
Mexico’s only clear early chance at goal came after 15 minutes when Jimenez’s diving header was beautifully saved by Everton goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, following a precise cross from Roberto Alvarado.
Anthony Gordon, Barcelona winger, who was fouled on by Mexico goalkeeper, Raúl Rangel, before Kane converted, described the game on X as “incredible”, and expressed gratitude to fans who travelled all the way to support the Three Lions.
In his post-Mexico comments, Gordon said: “Nothing like a bit of adversity. An incredible game and win that will be remembered for a long time. Thank you to all the fans that travelled, special moments celebrating with you all at the end. See you in Miami.”
In his reaction on X, Harry Kane simply posted: “Wow. Just wow.”
Photo: Goalscorers, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, celebrate England’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter finals after a 3-2 triumph over Mexico in the Round of 16 match at Mexico City on Monday
