England engraved their names FIFA World Cup folklore on Sunday night, becoming the first team to ever defeat Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in a World Cup match, as they overcame a dramatic second-half attack to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory in the round of 16.The famous triumph ended Mexico’s unbeaten World Cup record at the iconic stadium, where El Tri had gone 10 games without defeat, including three wins during the 2026 tournament. It also sent England into their 11th FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, with only Brazil (15) and Germany (14) having reached the last eight more often.The match also added another chapter to the history of the legendary place, becoming the 24th FIFA World Cup game played at the Estadio Azteca, more than any other stadium in the history of the competition.
Bellingham double silence Azteca
In front of over 80,000 passionate home supporters, Jude Bellingham produced one of the finest performances of his international career, scoring twice in just 98 seconds to stun the hosts.The midfielder opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a powerful header before doubling England’s lead two minutes later after combining brilliantly with the captain. Harry Kane.Mexico responded before half-time when Julián Quiñones pulled one back in the 42nd minute, ensuring the contest remained finely at the interval.The drama intensified shortly after the restart as England defender Jarell Quansah received a straight red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Jesús Gallardo. The dismissal made Quansah only the fourth English player to be sent off at a FIFA World Cup and the first since. Wayne Rooney in 2006.With England reduced to 10 men, manager Thomas Tuchel responded by sacrificing Bukayo Saka for defender John Stones to strengthen the backline.
Kane delivers as England resists late siege
Despite their numerical disadvantage, England grabbed a crucial third goal when Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was brought down by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel.The goal was Kane’s sixth of the tournament and his 14th overall at the FIFA World Cup, moving him level with German legend Gerd Müller for fifth on the competition’s all-time scoring list. He also kept him within touching distance of the Golden Boot leaders Lionel MessiKylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, who each have seven goals.Kane later conceded a penalty, becoming the first player since at least 1966 to score and give up a point in the same World Cup match. Raúl Jiménez converted to reduce the deficit to 3-2, setting up a frantic finish.Mexico blew relentlessly through the final 21 minutes and 11 minutes of stoppage time, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and England’s resolute defense held firm to preserve the lead.The win secured England’s place in a third successive World Cup quarter-finals, where they will meet Norway and star striker Erling Haaland in Miami Gardens for a place in the last four.For Mexico, the defeat extended a painful trend. El Tri have failed to advance beyond the Round of 16 at any World Cup since their 1986 home tournament.
