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England booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 encounter played in the early hours of Monday.
The Three Lions overcame the challenge despite playing most of the second half with 10 men after defender Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute. The victory keeps England's quest for a second World Cup title alive and sets up a last-eight clash with Norway.
Mexico began brightly, dominating possession and energised by a passionate home crowd eager to witness their country's first World Cup quarter-final appearance in four decades.
However, England struck twice in quick succession through Jude Bellingham. The midfielder opened the scoring with a powerful header from Bukayo Saka's inviting cross before adding a second moments later after Harry Kane capitalised on a Mexican turnover to provide the assist.
The hosts responded almost immediately as Julian Quinones fired a powerful close-range effort beyond Jordan Pickford to reduce the deficit.
Mexico continued to pile on the pressure, but Pickford produced an outstanding save to deny Raul Jimenez an equaliser before the break.
England nearly extended their advantage early in the second half when Nico O'Reilly's low drive struck the post, but the game took another dramatic turn when Quansah received a straight red card for a challenge on Jesus Gallardo.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, England restored their two-goal cushion after Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel fouled Anthony Gordon inside the penalty area. Kane calmly converted the resulting spot-kick for his sixth goal of the tournament.
Mexico refused to surrender and were awarded a penalty after Kane fouled Brian Gutierrez, with the decision confirmed following a VAR review. Jimenez converted from the spot to make it 3-2 and set up a tense finish.
The co-hosts launched wave after wave of attacks in search of an equaliser that would have forced extra time, but England defended resolutely to seal victory.
England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals in Miami on Saturday, July 11, as they continue their pursuit of World Cup glory.
