MEXICO, Monday, July 6, 2026 (WAFA) – — England secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over tournament co-hosts Mexico on Sunday in Mexico City, clinching their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals after a high-stakes Round of 16 clash.
Despite early dominance from the home side, Jude Bellingham struck twice in quick succession—scoring in the 36th and 38th minutes—to hand England a sudden 2-0 advantage. Mexico quickly responded before the interval when Julian Quinones capitalized on an English foul, curling in a brilliant free kick to bring the score to 2-1.

England's path to victory grew significantly more challenging early in the second half when a VAR review resulted in a straight red card for defender Jarell Quansah, forcing the Three Lions to play the remaining 40 minutes with only ten men.

Undeterred by the disadvantage, England extended their lead in the 60th minute when captain Harry Kane calmly slotted a penalty into the bottom-left corner. Mexico refused to back down, and in the 69th minute, Raul Jimenez converted a penalty of his own to narrow the deficit to 3-2, setting up a tense finale.

England successfully weathered the late Mexican onslaught to knock out one of the tournament's three host nations. The Three Lions are now scheduled to face Norway this Saturday in Miami.

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is the first tournament in history to feature an expanded 48-team format, with defending champions Argentina looking to retain their crown before the final on July 19.

K.T