Fifa World Cup: 10-man England advance to quarter-finals with fiery victory over Mexico
Jude Bellingham’s double inflicted a rare defeat on Mexico at the Estadio Azteca as 10-man England won a nerve-racking World Cup classic 3-2 to reach the quarter-finals.
Harry Kane also scored from the penalty spot as the Three Lions overcame Jarell Quansah’s red card, high altitude and fervent home support to keep their quest for their first major tournament win in 60 years alive.
England have relied on Bellingham and Kane throughout the tournament, and that duo have carried them into a last eight showdown with Erling Haaland’s Norway.
Bellingham struck twice in 98 seconds in the first half to condemn Mexico to just a third defeat in 90 matches at the Azteca.
Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez reduced the Mexican arrears but they fell short of a place in the quarter-finals.
Victory also helped to erase some of England’s nightmarish memories at the Azteca in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup, when Diego Maradona scored a double for Argentina, including the infamous “Hand of God” goal.
The match was delayed by an hour after a thunder storm and heavy rain lashed the Mexican capital for hours before the planned 6pm (midday NZT) kick-off time.
Despite the sodden conditions, more than 80,000 fans crammed into the stadium to create a deafening noise.
England coach Thomas Tuchel was wary of a fast start from Mexico as his side adjusted to the altitude 2240m above sea level.
Mexico had flown out of the traps when they won a World Cup knockout game for the first time in 40 years against Ecuador 2-0 on Wednesday.
This time England managed to keep Javier Aguirre’s side at bay, but did need a crucial intervention from Jordan Pickford to deny Jimenez opening the scoring with a diving header destined for the bottom corner.
Tuchel made three changes to the side that needed a heroic performance from Kane to prevent an embarrassing early exit to DR Congo.
Quansah was forced to deputise at right-back with Reece James not fit to start for a third consecutive game, opening up Tuchel to criticism over his decision not to select more specialist cover in that position.
Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka also started out wide and both made telling contributions.
Saka’s cross picked out Bellingham to power in a header for the first goal Mexico had conceded in five World Cup games.
The hosts failed to compose themselves, as within two minutes the Real Madrid midfielder had doubled England’s lead.
Kane’s ball across fell perfectly for Bellingham to power in his fourth goal of the tournament.
Yet what should have been a comfortable lead was nearly wiped out by half-time.
Julian Quinones blasted in his fourth goal of the tournament to spark the Mexico rally after England failed to clear a free-kick.
Jimenez drilled wide and saw another header saved by Pickford before Bellingham made a last-ditch intervention to deny Cesar Montes a certain equaliser.
Nico O’Reilly nearly restored England’s two-goal cushion as his deflected shot cannoned off the post.
Quansah was shown a straight red card on 54 minutes after a VAR review for a mistimed lunge on Jesus Gallardo.
But just six minutes later the 10 men had added to their lead when Gordon was wiped out by Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel and Kane emphatically dispatched the penalty.
The England captain’s sixth goal of the tournament puts him just one behind Haaland, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.
The game took another huge momentum swing when this time Kane was penalised for a foul inside his own box and Jimenez slotted home the penalty to set up a frantic final 20 minutes.
England though stood tall, defending at times frantically to resist the Mexican wave during 11 minutes of additional time and reach a third consecutive World Cup quarter-final.
- AFP
Quarter-final match-up
Christopher Reive
England will go on to play Norway in the quarter-finals, after an Erling Haaland double lifted them over Brazil this morning.
Christopher Reive
What a game! Jude Bellingham's back-to-back goals in the first half - within two minutes of each other - gave the Three Lions the lead, then he made a huge defensive play to keep it at 2-0.
Mexico eventually struck back to make it 2-1 at the break, with two penalties the only goals in a fiery second half that saw England down to 10 men for about 40 minutes.
ENGLAND MOVE INTO THE QUARTER-FINALS
Christopher Reive
Final minute
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90 + 9 - Save Pickford!
Christopher Reive
The English keeper has been very good today, but Mexico have not made the most of some of these chances.
90 + 9
Christopher Reive
Another Mexico corner.
90 + 7
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Mexico send another one over the crossbar.
90 + 6
Christopher Reive
Mexico continue to probe but they can't find a way through the English defence.
90 + 4
Christopher Reive
Mexico looking a bit desperate now. Maybe they need to take a page from ice hockey's book and go empty net
Christopher Reive
Harry Kane exits for Morgan Rogers.
Christopher Reive
Mexico have had 15 attempts at goal - five on target.
England have had five shots, with three on target.
11 minutes of stoppage time
Christopher Reive
I was expecting more to be honest.
88th minute - Chance Mexico!
Christopher Reive
Fidalgo lets it fly but the shot is straight at Pickford. The English keeper spills it at first attempt, but there's no pressure coming and he collects it.
88th minute
Christopher Reive
Mexico putting plenty of pressure on but so far England are holding strong.
86th minute - Mexico call for a penalty
Christopher Reive
A few players go down in the box as the ball is whipped in. The referee isn't interested.
Christopher Reive
Yeah nothing doing from that passage of play. Mexico go back to trying to find a third.
84th minute
Christopher Reive
England venture up the field and test the Mexico defence. They've drawn a foul and Rice is standing over the ball near halfway.
82nd minute - Chance Mexico
Christopher Reive
A lovely ball is whipped into the box but again it's met by poor contact and the ball sails over the crossbar.
80th minute - Chance Mexico
Christopher Reive
A free header in the box from a corner but the contact is dreadful and it dribbles wide of the goal.
78th minute
Christopher Reive
The bus has well and truly been parked by England. They're getting at least nine players behind the ball now and Mexico have so far just resorted to trying swing crosses in in the hope of getting a head to one.
76th minute
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Mexico are back on the attack, but Spence breaks it up and boots the ball clear.
Time for England to park the bus?
Yellow card - Nico O'Reilly
Christopher Reive
Not sure what the Englishman was booked for but he's also been replaced. Djed Spence comes in.
Three-quarter time in Mexico
Christopher Reive
20-odd minutes to go as they take a hydration break.
71st minute - free kick England
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Yellow card to Mexican defender Jorge Sanchez
70 minutes - England lead 3-2
Christopher Reive
What a game.
GOAL RAUL JIMENEZ
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Holds his nerve and it's all on at the Azteca.
Yellow card - Marc Guehi
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FINAL DECISION - PENALTY
Christopher Reive
I love how dramatic their post-VAR announcements are.
65th minute - DRAMA!
Christopher Reive
Mexico are appealing for a penalty but the referee isn't buying it - but VAR is checking.
And now the referee is off to the screen to review it. We could have another penalty here - Kane kicked Gutierrez in the leg.
63rd minute
Christopher Reive
Promising attack for Mexico, but England are getting plenty of players behind the ball now.
61 minutes - England lead 3-1
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A couple of changes for Mexico as they chase a two-goal deficit again.
60th minute - GOAL HARRY KANE
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No mistake from the professional goal scorer.
PENALTY ENGLAND
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Bit on here.
Raul Rangel commits but can't beat Anthony Gordon to the ball. He only brings the Englishman down in the box. Clear penalty.
57 minutes
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England react to losing their right back by bringing John Stones on for Bukayo Saka.
MORE DRAMA
Christopher Reive
Harry Kane hits the deck holding his leg. Jesus Gallardo walks over and gives him a serve.
RED CARD
Christopher Reive
Jarell Quansah is given his marching orders, and hard to disagree. Studs up, got the leg. Massive moment.
52nd minutes - DRAMA!
Christopher Reive
A terrible tackle on Mexico's Jesus Gallardo - studs up from Jarell Quansah.
VAR time - I think we're going to see red.
51st minute
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Jude Bellingham shows his skill with the ball at his feet, dancing around a couple of defenders then beating another before ultimately being dispossessed.
49th minute - change for England!
Christopher Reive
The frame of the goal does a job for Mexico to keep the score at 2-1.
47th minute
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Mexico go on the attack but Quinones launches a speculative effort from distance and Egnland take possession.
Halftime change for Mexico
Christopher Reive
Edson Alvarez enters the game for captain Cesar Montes.
Halftime
Cameron McMillan
What a crazy last 10 minutes. It wasn't the greatest first half until Bellingham broke the deadlock with a header. He then added a second just 90 seconds later to give England a 2-0 lead. But Mexico then stepped up and put all the pressure on England for the rest of the half eventually Julian Quinones got onto the end of a weak England clearance from a corner. It should be 2-2 but Pickford made some crucial saves and Bellingham denied Mexico right at the end.
Pickford again to the rescue
Cameron McMillan
Raul header saved by Pickford. Big diving effort to get a hand to it. And then Bellingham saves England. Just as Cesar Montes lines up a shot from close range, Bellingham got a foot in to deny him. England clinging on.
Raul Jimenez almost scores
Cameron McMillan
Jimenez gets another strong chance to beat Pickford. The ball falls to him in the box but he sends the shot wide. England need to settle here and win some ball.
Five minutes of additional time
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44th minute - Mexico come again
Cameron McMillan
Now England clinging to the lead and Mexico have gone up a gear. England have to defend well as the ball goes out for a goal kick.
GOAL MEXICO
Cameron McMillan
Wide lefthand side of the box. The ball isn't cleared by Konsa and Julian Quinones hits it.
40th minute - What a way to silence the crowd
Cameron McMillan
Mexico are shook. That was a great ball from Kane to set up Bellingham when he himself could have had a shot. Mexico get a freekick. They've got to chase now.
GOAL ENGLAND
Cameron McMillan
And Jude again! From the kickoff, Mexico are under pressure. Gordon wins the ball and gets it to Bellingham. He runs into the box, passes to Kane to his right who gives it back to Bellingham. And just like that - two in two minutes. Amazing.
GOAL ENGLAND
Cameron McMillan
Jude Bellingham scores and England are on top. Raul Jimenez can't get onto a ball at the other end. Pickford quickly throws to Rice who puts Saka free up the right. Saka sends in a cross and Bellingham heads it in.
34th minute - England stuck in own half
Cameron McMillan
Saka turns the ball over on halfway and Mexico come again. England spending the last few minutes defending deep inside their own half. But Mexico can't find a way through.
31st minute - Mexico on attack
Cameron McMillan
Raul Jimenez commits a foul but England turn the ball over shortly after. Ezri Konsa clears the ball from the edge of the box but Mexico get the ball back. Mexico enjoying possession but outside the attacking area. Eventually Romo sends a shot well over the bar from outside the box.
27th minute - Gordon shot on goal
Cameron McMillan
Jordan kicks deep and Anthony Gordon chases it down. He gets into the box but his shot is tame and saved by Raul Rangel.
Hydration break
Cameron McMillan
England look to counter but the Aussie referee gets in the way. He blows his whistle and calls for a hydration break.
Not a massively thrilling opening 25 minutes. Mexico with the one and only chance - Raul Jimenez's header denied by Jordan Pickford.
21st minute - Another England corner
Cameron McMillan
Gordon again beats Jorge Sanchez for pace down the left and earns a corner. But Mexico header it out for a throw in.
19th minute: Mexico enjoying possession now
Cameron McMillan
Bukayo Saka brought down in a foul after Jarell Quansah claimed one moments earlier before passing to his teammate from the floor.
Mexico with the ball again and get to the edge of the box before England clear.
17th minute - Pickford denies Jimenez
Cameron McMillan
Raul Jimenez with a header and a great save from Pickford. Nice ball in from Roberto Alvarado and Jimenez headed it bottom right but Pickford got there. Mexico corner and Kane headers away.
13th minute - Quiet start
Cameron McMillan
England were expecting the opening 15 minutes were to be crucial. Not much happened so far. Marc Guehi with a searching ball for Bukayo Saka but Saka can't get onto it.
12th minute - England off the mark early
Cameron McMillan
Gordon plays a ball for Bellingham into the lefthand corner and he wins a throw in. But the throw for Gordon misses the mark and goes out for a goal kick. Harry Kane yet to touch the ball.
8th minute - England corner
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Gordon with a run down the left and wins a corner. The first of the game. Rice goes short to Saka who then sends a cross over everyone in the box. Wasted chance there.
7th minute - Few fouls to begin
Cameron McMillan
Raul Jimenez has a shot blocked outside the England box as Mexico enjoy early ball. Gilberto Mora fouls Harry Kane.
1st minute - Early yellow
Cameron McMillan
Declan Rice goes into the book for a high boot on Luis Romo inside halfway. Not an ideal start Rice. Romo is up after a delay.
Kickoff
Cameron McMillan
England will kick us off. Pickford sends one deep to the Mexican goalie Raul Rangel who punches away. he got distance on that kick.
Anthems time
Cameron McMillan
God Save the King and now the Mexican anthem with plenty of voices singing.
England up against it in terms of an away game and facing altitude. Mexico City sits 2,240m above sea level. Around the height of Mount Ngauruhoe or Mount Hutt.
Out come the teams
Cameron McMillan
Players are in their jackets. It's about 15 degrees. Mexico will be in green and England in white.
Rain continues to fall
Cameron McMillan
But the threat of thunderstorms is over. What an occasion at the Azteca. Norway awaits the winner. For Mexico it is their fourth and final clash at the stadium at the World Cup.
Not far from kickoff now
Cameron McMillan
Less than 20 minutes away from kickoff following the one hour delay.
Cameron McMillan
Easier to sleep night two
Cameron McMillan
England manager Thomas Tuchel on the BBC: "We didn't sleep so well the first night, second night was easier to sleep. Let's play the match. The first 15-20 minutes we will maybe feel it, that's what reports from other teams say."
Players begin warm-ups
Cameron McMillan
The BBC reports the goalies are out on the field as players begin their warm-ups. Looks like 1pm kickoff it is.
Cameron McMillan
Cristiano Ronaldo says this will be his last World Cup
Cameron McMillan
“This will be my last World Cup; God willing, tomorrow is not my last game,” he told reporters.
“I’m not missing anything; God has been generous to me,” Ronaldo said. “I won’t be more Cristiano or less Cristiano if I win the World Cup or not.”
Well you could argue he'll be less than Messi in the GOAT debate.
More delays?
Cameron McMillan
The thunderstorm needs to be clear of the stadium by 12.30pm NZT, 30 minutes before the new kickoff time, or there could be further delays.
Official statement from Fifa
Cameron McMillan
"Due to adverse weather conditions in Mexico City, including risk caused by lightning in the vicinity of the stadium, the kick-off of the World Cup 2026 round of 16 match between Mexico and England has been delayed to 19.00 local time (21:00 EDT). The safety and security of all individuals is Fifa’s priority. We thank all fans for their understanding and cooperation."
Kickoff delayed to 1pm
Cameron McMillan
With heavy rain and lightning around the kickoff has been delayed by one hour. It's going to be a longer night back in England with that making kickoff 2am.
England and Mexico teams
Cameron McMillan
England: 1 Jordan Pickford 2 Ezri Konsa 3 Nico O'Reilly 6 Marc Guehi 26 Jarell Quansah 4 Declan Rice 8 Elliot Anderson 10 Jude Bellingham 7 Bukayo Saka 9 Harry Kane (C) 18 Anthony Gordon.
Mexico: 1 Raul Rangel 2 Jorge Sanchez 3 Cesar Montes (C) 5 Johan Vasquez 23 Jesus Gallardo 6 Erik Lira 7 Luis Romo 19 Gilberto Mora 9 Raul Jimenez 16 Julian Quinones 25 Roberto Alvarado.
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