Jude Bellingham delivered a sensational performance with two quick-fire goals as England edged Mexico 3-2 in a pulsating FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash to book their place in the quarter-finals after surviving a fierce second-half fightback.
The dramatic encounter, played at the Mexico City Stadium on Monday, July 6, 2026 (Nigerian time), was delayed by an hour because of severe weather around the Azteca area. Despite playing the final stages with 10 men, Thomas Tuchel’s side held on to eliminate the hosts and set up a quarter-final showdown against Norway.
England struck first through Bellingham, who found the net in the 36th minute before doubling the advantage just 98 seconds later with another clinical finish. Julian Quiñones reduced the deficit for Mexico in the 42nd minute to send the teams into the break with England leading 2-1.
The contest took another twist nine minutes into the second half when Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card in the 54th minute for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo.
England restored their two-goal cushion six minutes later after Harry Kane calmly converted a penalty following a foul on Anthony Gordon by goalkeeper, Raul Rangel.
Mexico refused to back down and pulled another goal back in the 69th minute when Raul Jimenez converted from the penalty spot after Kane fouled Brian Gutierrez inside the box, setting up a tense finale.
Roared on by a capacity crowd of 80,824, Mexico piled on relentless pressure during 11 minutes of added time, but England stood firm. Tuchel introduced Dan Burn and Djed Spence and switched to a five-man defence as his side weathered the late storm to secure one of their most memorable World Cup victories.
England’s victory was built on a disciplined display in one of football’s most intimidating venues. Playing more than 7,000 feet above sea level, Tuchel’s men showed composure and resilience against a Mexico side that had suffered only two defeats in 89 competitive matches at the Azteca.
Bellingham was the standout performer, not only scoring twice but also producing a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Cesar Montes an equaliser before half-time.
Goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, also delivered a world-class display, producing two superb saves to deny Jimenez and matching Peter Shilton’s England men’s record of 17 World Cup appearances. The Everton goalkeeper commanded his area confidently throughout the closing stages as England protected their slender lead.
Bellingham was deservedly named Player of the Match with an outstanding average rating of 9.50.
*Match Summary*
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16
Date: Monday, July 6, 2026 (Nigerian time)
Venue: Mexico City Stadium
Attendance: 80,824
Result: Mexico 2-3 England
Goals:
England: Jude Bellingham (36′, 38′), Harry Kane (60′ pen)
Mexico: Julian Quiñones (42′), Raul Jimenez (69′ pen)
Red Card:
England: Jarell Quansah (54′)
England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals.
