England secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup 2026 round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca, overcoming a one-hour storm delay, a red card, and a fierce Mexican comeback. Jude Bellingham scored twice in two minutes, and Harry Kane added a penalty, while Mexico’s Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez kept the hosts in the game.
Storm delay and electric atmosphere
Kick-off was delayed by an hour due to severe weather, but fans remained in high spirits. The stadium was filled with passionate local supporters, creating an incredible atmosphere despite the grey skies. England arrived to a chorus of noise, and the teams lined up for national anthems under overcast conditions.
Bellingham’s quick-fire double
England took control in the first half. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a diving header, then tapped in from Harry Kane’s cross just two minutes later. England manager Thomas Tuchel was visibly thrilled as his side went 2-0 up. However, Mexico struck back quickly when Julián Quiñones lashed the ball past Jordan Pickford to make it 2-1.
Before half-time, Raúl Jiménez tested Pickford with a looping header, and Bellingham made a remarkable goal-line clearance to deny César Montes. England went into the break with a narrow lead.
Red card and penalty drama
In the 54th minute, England’s Jarell Quansah was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle on Jesús Gallardo, reducing England to ten men. Despite the setback, England won a penalty in the 59th minute when Anthony Gordon was felled by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel. Harry Kane converted the spot kick, sending the keeper the wrong way, to make it 3-1.
But Kane soon conceded a penalty of his own, kicking Brian Gutiérrez in the area. Raúl Jiménez fooled Pickford and scored to make it 3-2, setting up a tense finish.
England hold on for victory
Mexico pushed for an equalizer, but Djed Spence made a vital interception to deny a clear chance. During 11 minutes of injury time, John Stones cleared his lines as England hung on. The players fell to the turf exhausted, and Declan Rice celebrated wildly. England advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway.
Anthony Gordon, who had a cracking game, soaked up the applause from traveling fans as they sang Wonderwall by Oasis. The match was described as one of the great England World Cup encounters, with five goals and endless drama.
