6 July 2026,
Monday
6 July 2026,
Monday
England players celebrating after scoring a goal (Photo: FIFA)
England reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, surviving 36 minutes plus stoppage time with ten men to end their hosts' run in the last 16.
Mexico had not conceded a single goal in the tournament before kick-off and started the stronger side, dominating early possession. But England struck twice in quick succession either side of the half-hour mark: Jude Bellingham opened the scoring from a Bukayo Saka cross, then added a second two minutes later after Elliot Anderson won the ball back, putting England 2-0 up by the 38th minute.
Mexico hit back through Julian Quiñones, whose well-taken volley made it 2-1 four minutes later, and the hosts finished the half strongly, twice going close through Raúl Jiménez.
The game turned again in the 54th minute when England defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card, following a VAR review, for a dangerous challenge on Jesús Gallardo. Despite playing a man light, England extended their lead on the hour mark when Harry Kane converted a penalty won by Anthony Gordon, making it 3-1.
Mexico pulled one back in the 69th minute when Raúl Jiménez scored from the spot after Brian Gutiérrez was fouled, setting up a tense finish. England, reduced to ten men, held firm under sustained late pressure, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford making several key saves, to seal the 3-2 win.
It ends Mexico's wait for a first World Cup quarter-final since 1986 and avenges England's own exit from the same stadium that year, when Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal knocked them out.
Managed by Thomas Tuchel, England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals in Miami next Saturday, 11 July. Quansah is expected to miss the match through suspension.
Norway reached the last eight earlier the same day with a 2-1 win over five-time champions Brazil at MetLife Stadium, Erling Haaland scoring twice. Neymar, who came on as a substitute and scored a late consolation penalty, announced his retirement from international football after the match, saying his Brazil career was "over."
France, Morocco, Norway and England have all confirmed their places in the quarter-finals. The remaining four spots will be decided among USA, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Colombia, Argentina and Egypt.
