World Cup 2026 news: Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane fire England past Mexico into quarter-finals
England produced one of the most memorable performances of the FIFA World Cup on Monday, July 6, 2026, defeating co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a pulsating Round of 16 encounter at the Azteca Stadium to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Jude Bellingham scored twice in the space of 98 seconds to seize control of the contest before Harry Kane's second-half penalty ultimately proved decisive after England had been reduced to 10 men.
Thomas Tuchel's side showed remarkable resilience to set up a quarter-final showdown against Norway.
Bellingham turns the game in two minutes
With the atmosphere inside the Azteca Stadium firmly behind the hosts, England needed a moment of inspiration.
Bellingham provided two.
The midfielder struck twice inside 98 seconds to transform the contest, punishing Mexico with clinical finishing and once again demonstrating why he has become one of the tournament's standout performers.
Although Julián Quiñones reduced the deficit before half-time to reignite the home crowd, England entered the break with momentum firmly on their side.
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Quansah dismissal changes everything
The complexion of the match shifted shortly after the restart when Jarell Quansah was shown a red card, forcing England to play more than half an hour with 10 men.
Mexico quickly capitalised as Raúl Jiménez converted from the penalty spot to level proceedings and place the Three Lions under immense pressure.
Rather than retreat, England responded with composure.
Kane calmly converted his own penalty soon after to restore the lead and ultimately seal England's place in the last eight.
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Kane hails England's resilience
England captain Harry Kane described the victory as one the squad would remember forever.
"I think it's one that we'll remember for the rest of our lives, and all the fans will as well,” Kane said, quoted on Sky Sports.
"Just because of how it came about, the adversity we had to come through, being away from home, all the decisions against us, and we found a way.
"We found a deep desire from within to get through this game, and I just couldn't be prouder of the boys."
The striker's leadership was once again central to England's ability to navigate one of the tournament's toughest knockout fixtures.
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Rice and Tuchel praise England's mentality
Declan Rice believes the victory ranks among the greatest of his England career.
"I think that's probably the best England result I've experienced, probably the best away day I've had in an England shirt.
"Everything I expected and it was just an incredible night."
Head coach Thomas Tuchel also reserved special praise for his players' determination.
"Very proud. We needed everything. It was super difficult.
"This team really mean it. When the going gets tough, they never give up, they never lose belief.
"We need to take this in. This is Azteca, it's Mexico, a crazy game. We left everything out there," Tuchel continued.
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Norway await England
England's reward is a quarter-final meeting with Norway, whose own remarkable run has been driven by the prolific Erling Haaland.
The clash now promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the tournament, pitting Kane against Haaland in a battle between two of world football's most feared goalscorers.
If England can replicate the character they showed against Mexico, and if Bellingham continues to dictate matches while Kane delivers in decisive moments - they will travel into the quarter-finals believing they have every chance of extending their World Cup journey.
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