At the Mexico City Stadium, a dramatic Round of 16 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup saw hosts Mexico take on England in a thrilling encounter that ended 3–2 in favor of the Three Lions, who advanced to the quarter-finals.
The match began with Mexico showing early intent. Raúl Jiménez came close in the 15th minute with a powerful header, but England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford reacted sharply to deny the opener.
Despite Mexico’s early pressure, it was England national football team who struck first. In the 36th minute, a cross from Bukayo Saka found Jude Bellingham, who headed home the opening goal. Just two minutes later, Bellingham struck again after a well-worked move involving Harry Kane, giving England a commanding 2–0 lead.
Mexico responded quickly. In the 42nd minute, Julián Quiñones fired a powerful effort into the roof of the net to reduce the deficit and bring the home crowd back to life. Before halftime, Jiménez nearly equalized, forcing another excellent save from Pickford in stoppage time.
England began the second half strongly, with Nico O'Reilly hitting the post in the 49th minute. However, the momentum shifted in the 54th minute when Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card after a VAR review for a dangerous foul on Jesús Gallardo.
Mexico tried to capitalize on the numerical advantage, but England responded immediately. Anthony Gordon won a penalty after being brought down by Raúl Rangel. Kane converted the spot-kick in the 60th minute to restore England’s two-goal cushion.
The drama continued when England conceded a penalty of their own, which Jiménez calmly converted in the 69th minute, making it 3–2 and setting up a tense finish.
Despite late pressure from Mexico, England held firm to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face Norway in Miami.
