England survives Mexico thriller and books quarterfinal clash with Norway

England defeated Mexico 3-2 on Sunday to reach the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026, surviving a dramatic match that started one hour late due to bad weather and forced the Three Lions to play the final 36 minutes with ten men.

England defeated Mexico 3-2 on Sunday to reach the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026, surviving a dramatic match that started one hour late due to bad weather and forced the Three Lions to play the final 36 minutes with ten men.

Jude Bellingham scored twice and Harry Kane converted a penalty for England, while Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, also from the spot, scored for Mexico.

Bellingham strikes twice in two minutes

Mexico started better, pressing high, fighting in midfield and attacking through the wings. The first major chance came in the 15th minute, when Raúl Jiménez produced a difficult header that forced Jordan Pickford into a save.

But England showed its attacking power in brutal fashion. In the 36th minute, Bukayo Saka burst down the right and delivered a perfect cross for Bellingham, who headed in the opener and ended Mexico’s clean-sheet run at the tournament.

Just two minutes later, Kane found Bellingham again, and the Real Madrid midfielder made it 2-0.

Follow all the FIFA World Cup coverage on beINSPORTS

Mexico fights back before halftime

Mexico responded in the 42nd minute, when Quiñones reacted quickly to a loose ball in the box and fired past Pickford to make it 2-1.

The Azteca came alive, and Mexico pushed hard before halftime. Pickford denied Jiménez, while Bellingham also made a key defensive intervention to stop Johan Vásquez from equalizing.

England holds on with ten men

Mexico came out aggressively after the break, while England looked for counterattacking opportunities.

The match shifted in the 54th minute, when Jarrel Quansah was sent off for a strong challenge on Jesús Gallardo. Mexico pushed forward with the extra man, but England struck again on the counter.

Raúl Rangel brought down Anthony Gordon inside the box, and Kane converted the penalty with precision to make it 3-1.

Jiménez cuts the deficit, but England survives

Mexico pulled one back after Bellingham committed a foul in the box, allowing Jiménez to score from the penalty spot and make it 3-2.

The final minutes were tense, with Mexico applying heavy pressure, but England defended with composure and held on to secure a place in the quarterfinals.