England engraved their names on: FIFA World Cup folklore on Sunday night, became the first team to beat Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in a World Cup match as they withstood a dramatic second-half attack to seal a thrilling 3-2 Round of 16 victory.The famous victory ended Mexico’s unbeaten World Cup record at the iconic stadium, where El Tri has won 10 games without defeat, including three victories in the 2026 tournament. It also sent England to their 11th FIFA World Cup quarter-final, with only Brazil (15) and Germany (14) regularly reaching the last eight.The match also added another chapter to the history of the legendary venue, becoming the 24th FIFA World Cup match played at the Estadio Azteca, more than any other stadium in the competition’s history.
Bellingham double silenced Azteca
In front of more than 80,000 enthusiastic home supporters, Jude Bellingham delivered one of the best performances of his international career, scoring twice in just 98 seconds to stun the hosts.The midfielder opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a powerful header before doubling England’s advantage two minutes later after combining well with the captain. Harry Kane.Mexico responded before halftime when Julián Quiñones pulled one back in the 42nd minute, ensuring the contest remained poised heading into the interval.The drama intensified shortly after kick-off as England defender Jarell Quansah received a straight red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Jesús Gallardo. The dismissal makes Quansah the fourth England player to be sent off at a FIFA World Cup and the first ever Wayne Rooney in 2006.With England down to 10 men, head coach Thomas Tuchel responded by sacrificing Bukayo Saka for defender John Stones to strengthen the backline.
Kane delivered as England fought off a late siege
Despite their numerical disadvantage, England hit a crucial third goal when Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was brought down by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel.The goal was Kane’s sixth of the tournament and his 14th overall at the FIFA World Cup, taking him level with German legend Gerd Müller for fifth on the competition’s all-time scoring list. It also keeps him within striking distance of the Golden Boot leaders Lionel MessiKylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, who each have seven goals.Kane later conceded a penalty, becoming the first player since 1966 to both score and take a spot-kick in the same World Cup match. Raúl Jiménez converted to reduce the deficit to 3-2, producing a fierce finish.Mexico pushed forward relentlessly in the final 21 minutes and 11 minutes into stoppage time, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and a determined England defense held firm to preserve the lead.The victory secured England’s place in the third consecutive World Cup quarter-finals, where they will meet Norway and star striker Erling Haaland in Miami Gardens for a place in the last four.For Mexico, the loss extended a painful trend. El Tri has failed to advance beyond the Round of 16 in every World Cup since their home tournament in 1986.