England beat Mexico 3-2 to reach quarter-finals

England reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup after a 3-2 win over Mexico at the Azteca.

Jude Bellingham scored twice in the first half, finishing in the 36th and 38th minutes after England had absorbed early pressure. Raoul Jiménez and Julián Quiñones replied for Mexico, while Harry Kane added England’s third from the penalty spot in the 60th minute.

Mexico started with more of the ball and created the first clear chance through Jiménez, but Jordan Pickford pushed away a diving header from close range. England then struck on the break, with Bellingham heading in Bukayo Saka’s cross before doubling the lead two minutes later after Anthony Gordon and Kane combined.

Mexico pulled one back before the break when Quiñones finished after a set-piece scramble. England’s Jarrell Quansah was then sent off in the 54th minute after a VAR review for a rash tackle on Gallardo.

Despite going down to 10 men, England won a penalty when Gordon was brought down, and Kane converted. VAR intervened again in the 67th minute, allowing Jiménez to score from the spot and set up a tense finish, but Mexico could not find an equaliser.