England Advance After Wild Azteca Clash
England reached the World Cup quarterfinals after defeating co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic round-of-16 match at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Sunday. The game featured a hostile atmosphere, an hourlong weather delay, a red card and late pressure from Mexico before England held on with 10 men.
A Historic Win in Mexico City
The victory made England the first team to beat Mexico in a World Cup match at the famed Azteca Stadium. They also became only the third team to win there across 89 competitive matches. England have now reached the quarterfinals for a third consecutive World Cup.
Bellingham and Kane Lead the Attack
Jude Bellingham scored twice, while Harry Kane added another goal from the penalty spot. Bellingham’s two goals came within 98 seconds, briefly silencing more than 80,000 Mexico supporters before Julián Quiñones reduced the deficit before halftime.
Kane Reflects on England’s Fight
After the match, Kane said: “It was a crazy game. We had to find something.” He added: “All the occasion, the team, everything against us, we found a way.”
Mexico Fight Back but Fall Short
Mexico twice responded after falling two goals behind, but their attempt to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since hosting the tournament in 1986 ended in another round-of-16 exit. Since 1986, Mexico have gone out at this stage eight times. Their only other quarterfinal appearance came in 1970, the previous time they hosted the World Cup.
Red Card Changes the Second Half
The match shifted again in the 54th minute when England right back Jarell Quansah was shown a red card after a video review for a high challenge on Jesús Gallardo. The decision appeared to hand Mexico a major opening, but England responded quickly.
Kane Scores and Concedes From the Spot
Minutes after the red card, Kane restored England’s advantage from the penalty spot after Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel brought down Anthony Gordon. It was Kane’s sixth goal of the tournament and the 14th of his World Cup career, moving him level with West Germany’s Gerd Müller for fifth on the competition’s all-time scoring list.
Jiménez Sets Up a Tense Finish
Less than 10 minutes later, Kane became the first player since at least 1966 to both score and concede a penalty in the same World Cup game. A video review ruled that he had fouled Brian Gutiérrez, and Raúl Jiménez converted the penalty to make the final stages frantic.
England Hold Firm With 10 Men
Mexico pushed relentlessly through the final 21 minutes and 11 minutes of stoppage time, but could not find an equalizer. Jordan Pickford and England’s defenders held their shape under heavy pressure to secure one of the team’s most memorable modern World Cup wins.
Bellingham Calls It His Best England Night
Bellingham said: “This is probably one of the biggest England wins in a while, probably the biggest one I can remember as a fan or player.” He added: “The best night of my England career.”
Henderson Injured During Celebration
England midfielder Jordan Henderson was taken to a hospital after the game with a wrist injury. Coach Thomas Tuchel said Henderson was hurt after falling over an advertising board during the postgame celebration. “It’s quite a serious injury,” Tuchel said.
Norway Await in the Quarterfinals
England will face Erling Haaland and Norway in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday for a place in the semifinals. The team continues its pursuit of a second World Cup title and its first since 1966.
United States Remain the Last Co-Host
Mexico’s elimination came one day after Canada were knocked out by Morocco. That leaves the United States as the only co-host still in the tournament. The U.S. will face Belgium in the round of 16 on Monday.
