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One of the instant classics of the tournament took place on Sunday at the historic Azteca Stadium, where 87,500 screaming fans created a deafening atmosphere.
England weathered the storm, silencing the sea of green with a ruthless display to escape with a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane combined to dash El Tri’s World Cup dreams. El Tri is a popular nickname for the Mexican men’s national team.
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England’s Harry Kane buries a penalty to score his second goal against Mexico. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images) ((Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images))
In the span of two minutes in the first half, Bellingham scored twice, leaving the Mexican defense completely shell-shocked.
But before halftime, Julian Quinones gave El Tri a lifeline. He scored a decisive goal, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
The second half was as electric as the first.
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In the 53rd minute, England fell to 10 men after Jarell Quansah received a straight red card. Suddenly, the momentum seems to be shifting in Mexico’s favor.
England’s Jude Bellingham clears the danger as goalkeeper Jordan Pickford celebrates the crucial defensive save. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images) ((Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images))
Instead of capitalizing on the numerical advantage, Mexico presented England with a golden opportunity.
Goalkeeper Raul Rangel recklessly brought down Anthony Gordon inside the penalty area, conceding a spot kick. Captain Harry Kane stepped up calmly and buried the penalty, restoring England’s two-goal lead to 3-1.
Yet Mexico refused to comply.
In the 69th minute, the referee signaled the climax again, awarding Mexico a penalty after another frantic sequence in the English box.
Raul Jimenez converted confidently, reducing the deficit to 3-2 and setting up a daring finish.
England’s Jude Bellingham (left) reacts after Mexico’s Julian Quinones scores his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match at Mexico City Stadium, Mexico. Picture date: Sunday July 5, 2026. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images) ((Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images))
From there, England retreated, although down to 10 men. England absorbed wave after wave of Mexican pressure before hanging on for a 3-2 victory and advancing to the quarter-finals against Norway.
England booked their place in the quarter-finals and handed Mexico their first ever World Cup defeat at the Estadio.
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Traveling England fans celebrated by singing “Wonderwall” once again.
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