England advances to World Cup quarterfinals after 3-2 win over Mexico in Mexico City
England defeated Mexico 3-2 despite playing with ten men after a red card, securing a place in the World Cup quarterfinals.
England progressed to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup after a 3-2 victory over Mexico in Mexico City on Sunday. Jude Bellingham gave England an early advantage with two goals in the 36th and 38th minutes, putting the hosts ahead 2-0 before halftime. Mexico responded when Julián Quiñones scored from a corner in the final minutes of the first half.
In the second half, defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card in the 54th minute after a VAR review of a studs-up tackle on Jesús Gallardo, leaving England with ten players. England extended the lead when captain Harry Kane converted a penalty in the 60th minute, his sixth World Cup goal, making it 3-1. Mexico earned a penalty shortly after when Kane collided with Brian Gutiérrez; Raúl Jiménez scored to reduce the deficit to one goal.
Mexico pressed for an equaliser during the remaining 20 minutes of regular time and an additional 11 minutes of stoppage time, but England held firm. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made three saves to preserve the lead. The match ended with England advancing and Mexico's unbeaten run at the Azteca Stadium coming to an end.
"We are proud of the team's resilience," a spokesperson for the English Football Association said after the match.
"The players gave everything despite the setback," a Mexican federation official added.
