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One of the tournament’s instant classics unfolded Sunday at the historic Azteca Stadium, where 87,500 screaming fans created a deafening atmosphere.
England weathered the storm, silencing the sea of green with a ruthless final display to escape with a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane combined to crush El Tri’s World Cup dreams. El Tri is a popular nickname for the Mexican men’s national team.
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England’s Harry Kane buries a penalty to score his second goal against Mexico. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images) ((Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images))
In an impressive two-minute span in the first half, Bellingham scored twice, leaving Mexico’s defense completely shocked.
But before the break, Julián Quiñones gave Tri a lifeline. He scored a decisive goal, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
The second half was just as electric as the first.
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In the 53rd minute, England were reduced to 10 men after Jarell Quansah received a straight red card. Suddenly, the momentum seemed to swing in Mexico’s favor.
England’s Jude Bellingham clears the danger as goalkeeper Jordan Pickford celebrates the crucial defensive save. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images) ((Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images))
However, instead of capitalizing on the numerical advantage, Mexico gave England a golden opportunity.
Goalkeeper Raúl Rangel recklessly brought down Anthony Gordon inside the penalty area, awarding a penalty. Captain Harry Kane calmly stepped up and scored the penalty, restoring England’s two-goal lead to 3-1.
Still, Mexico refused to give in.
In the 69th minute, the referee pointed to the penalty spot again, awarding Mexico a penalty after another frenetic sequence inside the England box.
Raúl Jiménez converted with confidence, reducing the deficit to 3-2 and setting up a tense finale.
England’s Jude Bellingham (left) reacts after Mexico’s Julian Quiñones scores his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match at the Mexico City Stadium, Mexico. Photo date: Sunday July 5, 2026. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images) ((Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images))
From there, England dug in, despite being down to 10 men. England absorbed wave after wave of Mexican pressure before holding on and claiming a brave 3-2 victory, advancing to the quarter-finals against Norway.
England booked their place in the quarterfinals and handed Mexico their first World Cup defeat at the Stadium.
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The traveling England fans celebrated by singing “Wonderwall” once again.
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