Mexico City, Jul 06 (V7N) — England booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 encounter at the Estadio Azteca on Monday.
The match, originally scheduled to begin at 7:00 a.m. Bangladesh time, was delayed by one hour due to lightning in the Mexico City area.
Backed by a passionate home crowd, Mexico started aggressively and looked determined to unsettle the Three Lions. England, however, withstood the early pressure and gradually found their rhythm.
Midfielder Jude Bellingham stunned the hosts by scoring twice within 90 seconds to hand England a commanding 2-0 lead. Mexico responded before halftime when Julián Quiñones found the net to cut the deficit to 2-1 and revive the home side's hopes.
England's task became more difficult in the second half after defender Ezri Konsa was sent off. Despite being reduced to 10 men, the Three Lions extended their lead when Harry Kane converted a penalty after Anthony Gordon won the spot-kick.
Mexico refused to surrender and quickly pulled another goal back through Raúl Jiménez, who converted from the penalty spot after a foul inside England's penalty area.
The hosts mounted relentless pressure during the closing stages, launching wave after wave of attacks in search of an equaliser. However, England's defence held firm to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory and a place in the World Cup quarter-finals for the 11th time.
Match statistics reflected Mexico's dominance in possession and attacking opportunities. The hosts enjoyed 67 percent possession, attempted 20 shots, earned 12 corners and delivered 49 crosses.
England, by contrast, managed six shots despite having only 33 percent possession. They won two corners and delivered four crosses but proved far more clinical in front of goal.
Packed with drama, tension and end-to-end action, the contest is already being hailed as one of the most entertaining matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
END/SMA/AJ
