England beat Mexico 3-2 to set up FIFA World Cup QF against Norway
text_fields
Mexico City: Jude Bellingham scored twice, and Harry Kane added a penalty as England defeated co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash to book a quarter-final meeting with Norway.
The victory sends England into the World Cup quarter-finals for the third consecutive edition, marking only the second time they have achieved the feat after their run between 1962 and 1970. It also ended Mexico’s unbeaten FIFA World Cup record at the Mexico City Stadium. The match was England’s first appearance at the venue since their 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals.
The contest, delayed by an hour due to adverse weather, produced high drama as England played more than 40 minutes with 10 men after Jarell Quansah was sent off early in the second half. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Three Lions held on to secure victory.
Mexico dominated possession in the opening stages, but England struck twice in the space of 98 seconds through Bellingham. The midfielder headed home Bukayo Saka’s cross to open the scoring before capitalising on a Mexican turnover, with Harry Kane providing the assist for his second goal.
The hosts responded almost immediately when Julian Quinones fired a powerful finish past Jordan Pickford from close range. Mexico nearly levelled before half-time, but Pickford produced a crucial save to deny Raul Jimenez.
England started the second half brightly, with Nico O'Reilly hitting the post, before Quansah received a red card for a challenge on Jesus Gallardo.
Moments later, Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel fouled Anthony Gordon inside the penalty area, allowing Kane to convert from the spot and extend England’s lead to 3-1 with his sixth goal of the tournament.
Mexico refused to give up and earned a penalty after Kane was adjudged to have fouled Brian Gutierrez following a VAR review. Jimenez converted from the spot to reduce the deficit to 3-2 and set up a tense finish.
The co-hosts pushed relentlessly for an equaliser that would have forced extra time, but England's defence stood firm to secure a place in the last eight.
England will now face Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals in Miami on July 11.
With IANS inputs