World Cup 2026
Round of 16Mon 6 Jul · 01:00 UTC
23
HT 12

Mexico 2-3 England: 10-man Three Lions hold on through Bellingham brace

England survived a red card and a spirited Mexican fightback to win 3-2 at a raucous Estadio Azteca, setting up a World Cup quarter-final meeting with Norway.

Jude Bellingham struck twice in quick succession either side of the half-hour mark to put England 2-0 up, only for Julian Quinones to pull one back for the co-hosts with a well-taken volley four minutes before the interval. The tie turned firmly on its head early in the second half when Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Jesus Gallardo, leaving England to see out more than half an hour, plus stoppage time, with ten men.

Rather than wilt, England extended their lead when Harry Kane converted a penalty after Raul Rangel brought down Anthony Gordon. Mexico responded through Raul Jimenez, also from the penalty spot, after VAR sent referee Alireza Faghani to the monitor for a foul by Kane on Brian Gutierrez, setting up a nervy finish. Despite Mexico's pressure in the closing stages, England's ten men held firm to condemn the co-hosts to defeat at their own fortress.

The result books England a quarter-final date with Erling Haaland's Norway, who eliminated Brazil in the previous round.

Key moments

  • Jude Bellingham scored twice in two minutes (36', 38') to put England in control
  • Jarell Quansah sent off in the 54th minute after a VAR review, leaving England with 10 men
  • Harry Kane and Raul Jimenez both converted second-half penalties
  • England held on with ten men for more than 36 minutes to seal a quarter-final spot

Timeline

36'
Jude Bellingham· England
38'
Jude Bellingham· England
42'
Julian QuinonesVolley· Mexico
54'🟥
Jarell QuansahFollowing VAR review, dangerous challenge on Jesus Gallardo· England
60'
Harry Kane(pen)· England
69'
Raul Jimenez(pen)· Mexico

Match facts

Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Referee: Alireza Faghani (Iran)

Match report generated from publicly available sources. Facts are drawn from the sources below.