Match Report: Mexico 2-3 England

Mexico’s dream of winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an end on Sunday night after a thrilling 3-2 defeat to England at the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Jude Bellingham scored twice as England overcame several difficult conditions, including Mexico’s impressive home record, the high altitude, an hour-long delay to kick-off due to a thunderstorm, and a second-half red card, to book their place in the quarter-finals. The Three Lions will now face Norway for a place in the last four.

After a cautious start, Mexico created the first clear chance in the 15th minute of the game. Roberto Alvarado delivered a cross from the right and Raúl Jiménez met it with a header, but Jordan Pickford produced an excellent save to keep the scores level.

Mexico enjoyed most of the possession, but England struck twice in quick succession to take control of the match.

The opening goal came in the 36th minute when Declan Rice carried the ball forward before finding Bukayo Saka. The winger floated a cross to the back post where Bellingham arrived to head England into the lead.

Just over a minute later, England doubled their advantage. Harry Kane drove a low cross across the six-yard box and Bellingham was in the right place to guide the ball into the net for his second goal of the evening.

Mexico responded before half-time. A dangerous free kick confused the England defence and after Ezri Konsa failed to clear the ball properly, Julián Quiñones fired home to reduce the deficit. His fourth goal of the tournament drew him level with Luis Hernández for the most goals scored by a Mexican player in a single FIFA World Cup campaign.

The hosts came close to equalising before the break. Jiménez sent one effort just wide before Pickford made another fine save to deny him with a header. Bellingham also made an important goal-line clearance from the resulting corner to stop César Montes from scoring.

England nearly extended their lead early in the second half when Nico O’Reilly struck the post with a low effort.

The match changed course in the 54th minute when Jarell Quansah was sent off after a VAR review ruled that his challenge on Jesús Gallardo deserved a red card, leaving England to play the rest of the game with ten men.

Despite being a player down, England won a penalty soon afterwards when Anthony Gordon was brought down by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel inside the box. Kane calmly converted from the spot to restore England’s two-goal advantage.

Mexico were awarded a penalty midway through the second half after Kane fouled substitute Brian Gutiérrez. Following another VAR review, Jiménez converted from the spot to make it 3-2.

Mexico threw everything forward during the closing stages and the 11 minutes of added time, but England defended bravely to hold on for a memorable victory.

Although their World Cup journey came to an end, Mexico leave the tournament with plenty to be proud of. El Tri captivated their home supporters with an inspiring run to the Round of 16 and extended one of international football’s most remarkable home records. Before this defeat against England, Mexico had lost just twice in their previous 89 competitive matches at the stadium (70 wins, 17 draws) since it opened in 1966. Their performances throughout the tournament showed the continued strength and resilience of Mexican football on the world stage.

England will now take on Norway in the quarter-finals at Miami Stadium on Saturday, the 11th of July, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.