Consider this England’s most impressive World Cup knockout phase victory since 1966. Such achievements have been rare, with only nine previous instances, each marked by intense drama. However, the unique context of this match distinctly set it apart.
England entered the chaotic atmosphere of the Estadio Azteca, a venue that carries significant historical weight for them, to face the passionate Mexican squad. Javier Aguirre’s team arrived in flawless form, having secured four victories in four tournament matches. This match served as a grand farewell for the co-hosts, arguably the most significant game in their footballing history.
The encounter was nothing short of thrilling, showcasing a plethora of moments, starting with Jude Bellingham’s remarkable performance, who netted two goals to give England a 2-0 advantage. The midfielder flourished under the intense pressure.
Mexican resilience was evident, culminating in a goal from Julián Quiñones before halftime. England, however, complicated their situation when Jarell Quansah received a red card for a reckless challenge in the 54th minute. The stand-in right-back, returning from injury, had a brief spell on the field before being dismissed. This position remains an ongoing issue for Thomas Tuchel.
Harry Kane added another goal from the penalty spot, bringing the score to 3-1, marking his sixth goal of the tournament and his 73rd for club and country this season. Yet, there was still room for more drama, including a second penalty goal for Mexico from Raúl Jiménez, leading to a tense conclusion as England fought tenaciously to defend their lead.
It turned into a battle of Mexico’s offensive against England’s resolute 5-3-1 formation. Tuchel’s side managed to hold their ground, and as the final whistle blew, joy erupted among the English players, contrasting with the heartbreak of the Mexican team, who were left dejected on the pitch. The World Cup will remember El Tri, while England looks ahead to a quarter-final clash against Norway in Miami on Saturday. Tuchel had sought a spark to ignite their campaign, and this match may have provided just that.
The backdrop was rich with historical significance from England’s perspective. This marked their first return to the Azteca since Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ in 1986. Additionally, the tumultuous weather, with thunderstorms and heavy rain, delayed kickoff by an hour.
The delay only heightened anticipation, serving as an initial test for the players in the dressing rooms. As the stadium DJ played ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ by Oasis, the fervent crowd’s cheers nearly drowned out the music. This occurred 90 minutes prior to the rescheduled kickoff.
Players had to contend with the high altitude, which affected the traveling England fans—not due to tequila, but the atmospheric conditions. Tuchel’s squad faced the challenge head-on, particularly at the start when Mexico was expected to come out strong, fueled by the emotional support of their fans.
England recognized the need for a composed beginning, maintaining proper spacing between their positions. They could not afford to overcommit, especially as the crowd grew restless with slower play. Despite the pressure, they focused on reaching the first hydration break unscathed, which they accomplished.
This was a critical moment identified by Tuchel, allowing England to acclimatize to the thinner air. They began to breathe easier following a smart low save by Jordan Pickford to deny Jiménez’s diving header in the 16th minute.
Mexico displayed fluid passing and effective movement, prompting Tuchel to assign Elliot Anderson to monitor midfield talent Gilberto Mora. The tension in the stadium was palpable, with the Mexican fans chanting, “Y si sí!”—a rallying cry of hope.
England began to respond. Anthony Gordon on the left wing posed a threat to Jorge Sánchez with his speed. However, the first goal came from the right side as Pickford executed a quick throw to Declan Rice, who advanced before feeding Bukayo Saka. The winger created space for a perfectly placed cross, and Bellingham surged in to powerfully head the ball home.
Bellingham was in exceptional form, feeding off the electrifying atmosphere. He played with intensity, both in possession and defensively. His second goal, a well-coordinated attacking move, was the result of Anderson winning the ball high up the pitch. After passing to Kane, Bellingham continued his run, and Kane’s low cross found him outpacing Érik Lira.
For a time, England appeared comfortable, but that changed swiftly. Tuchel was frustrated as his team allowed Mexico back into the game via a set piece. A lack of conviction in their defending led to Ezri Konsa’s half-clearance from a free-kick, allowing Quiñones to strike decisively.
As halftime approached, Mexico nearly equalized when Jiménez’s header from a corner found César Montes unmarked at the far post. It was Bellingham who made a crucial defensive intervention. Prior to that, Jiménez had squandered a good chance, missing the target while also forcing a save from Pickford with a looping header.
Recognizing the need for a crucial next goal, England began the second half positively. Nico O’Reilly advanced from left-back and saw a deflected shot bounce off the post. However, England’s momentum was stalled following Quansah’s red card.
Mexico’s bench erupted in anger over the challenge, and although Bellingham dazzled with a display of skill and a surge upfield, Quansah’s foul was soon under review by the video assistant referee. His reckless tackle on Jesús Gallardo left the referee, Alireza Faghani, with no option but to brandish the red card.
Tuchel responded by bringing on John Stones for Saka, but it was Gordon who restored England’s two-goal cushion. Following a challenge between Kane and Mexican substitute Edson Álvarez, Gordon sprinted onto the loose ball and reached it before Raúl Rangel, who fouled him. Kane converted the penalty.
Mexico responded once more with another set piece, leading to a mishap from Kane, who failed to notice substitute Brian Gutiérrez behind him as he attempted to clear the ball. After consulting the pitchside monitor, the referee awarded a penalty, and Jiménez converted it coolly.
In a tactical shift, Tuchel introduced Dan Burn and Djed Spence, switching to a back five. The crucial question was whether England could withstand the pressure. The answer proved to be in the affirmative, with a semblance of comfort—barring a tense moment during the 11 additional minutes when Stones nearly diverted the ball into his own net. Mexico continued to apply pressure with crosses, but England defended resolutely, with Pickford showing confidence and Burn proving vital. For England, it marked a truly remarkable high.
- World Cup 2026
- England
- Mexico
- World Cup
- Jude Bellingham
- Harry Kane
- match reports
