World Cup 2026: England 3-2 Mexico — Bellingham Double, Kane Penalty Send 10-Man Three Lions Into Quarter-Finals

England produced one of their most resilient performances of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to defeat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a pulsating Round of 16 contest at the iconic Estadio Azteca, overcoming a second-half red card to book a quarter-final clash with Norway.

Jude Bellingham delivered another outstanding display with two first-half goals before Harry Kane converted a crucial second-half penalty as Thomas Tuchel's side survived a fierce Mexican fightback in front of a partisan crowd in Mexico City.

The victory sends England into the last eight, where they will face Norway after Erling Haaland inspired the Scandinavians to a shock victory over Brazil.

The match had all the ingredients of a World Cup classic.

Playing at high altitude against one of the tournament's co-hosts in one of football's most intimidating stadiums, England weathered an electric opening before gradually imposing themselves on the contest.

Mexico, who entered the match unbeaten after winning all four of their previous games, started brightly and nearly took the lead when Raúl Jiménez forced Jordan Pickford into a smart low save.

England, however, struck first in the 36th minute.

Quick thinking from Pickford launched a counter-attack as Declan Rice surged through midfield before finding Bukayo Saka on the right. The Arsenal winger delivered a pinpoint cross which Bellingham attacked brilliantly, powering his header beyond goalkeeper Raúl Rangel to silence the home crowd.

Just two minutes later, England doubled their advantage.

Elliot Anderson won possession high up the pitch before Kane combined with Bellingham, whose intelligent run into the penalty area ended with a composed finish for his second goal of the evening.

Mexico refused to fold.

Their persistence paid off before half-time when Julián Quiñones reduced the deficit after England failed to deal with a set-piece. Ezri Konsa's partial clearance fell kindly for the striker, who drilled an emphatic finish into the net to make it 2-1.

The hosts almost levelled before the break, but Bellingham tracked back brilliantly to deny Cesar Montes after another dangerous Mexican attack.

England appeared to regain control after the restart and came close to extending their lead when Nico O'Reilly saw a deflected effort strike the post.

The game's complexion changed dramatically in the 54th minute.

Right-back Jarell Quansah was initially allowed to continue after catching Jesús Gallardo with a high challenge, but following a VAR review, referee Alireza Faghani upgraded the incident to a straight red card, reducing England to 10 men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, England restored their two-goal cushion.

Anthony Gordon chased down a loose ball inside the area and was brought down by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel. Kane stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty in the 60th minute to make it 3-1, taking his tournament tally to six goals.

Mexico kept pushing and earned a penalty of their own late in the game after Kane fouled substitute Brian Gutiérrez while attempting to clear a set-piece.

Jimenez made no mistake from the spot in the 69th minute, setting up a tense finale.

The hosts threw everything forward during 11 minutes of stoppage time, repeatedly testing England's defence with crosses into the penalty area.

Goalkeeper Pickford remained composed under pressure, while Dan Burn introduced late by Tuchel produced a series of crucial clearances to help preserve England's advantage.

John Stones also made a vital intervention deep into added time, scrambling the ball away as Mexico searched desperately for an equaliser.

England ultimately held on to secure one of their most significant World Cup knockout victories in recent decades.

The Three Lions will now face Norway in Miami, with Erling Haaland awaiting after his match-winning performance against Brazil.

For Mexico, the defeat ends an impressive tournament on home soil, while England continue their pursuit of a first World Cup title since 1966.