The England team ended Mexico’s dream by winning 3-2 in a vibrant round of 16 duel played at the Azteca stadium. With a double from Jude Bellingham and the same from Harry Kane, the English sealed their qualification to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, where they will face Norway.
The team led by Javier Aguirre offered great resistance and came to dominate several passages of the match, driven by a fan that turned the Azteca into a real party. However, England’s hierarchy ended up making the difference in decisive moments.
When El Tri was playing best, Bukayo Saka overflowed on the right wing and assisted Bellingham, who opened the scoring in the 36th minute with an accurate header. Just a few moments later, the Real Madrid midfielder reappeared to extend the lead and silence the stadium.
Mexico reacted before the break thanks to Julián Quiñones, who took advantage of a rebound in the area to score a goal and restore hope to the locals.
The expulsion of Jarell Quansah at the beginning of the second half seemed to open the way for the Mexican comeback, but a penalty committed by Raúl Rangel on Anthony Gordon allowed Harry Kane to make it 3-1 from the eleven steps. The English striker thus reached six goals in the World Cup.
El Tri got back into the game with another penalty, this time executed with precision by Raúl Jiménez after a foul by Kane on Brian Rodríguez. Despite the pressure in the final minutes and the constant support of the fans, Mexico was unable to find an equalizer.
After the match, Javier Aguirre regretted the elimination and took responsibility for the result.
“It is very painful to dream and lose. The players left their skin on the field. If there is criticism it should be of the coach,” declared the Mexican coach.
With this victory, England is among the eight best in the 2026 World Cup and will seek a place in the semifinals against the surprising Norway, while Mexico says goodbye to the tournament after a performance that excited its fans until the last minute.
