FIFA World Cup: England edges Mexico 3-2 to reach quarterfinals

England booked its place in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico at Estadio Azteca on July 5, ending the hosts’ unbeaten World Cup record at the iconic venue.

Jude Bellingham scored twice in the space of 98 seconds to put England in command, heading home in the 36th minute before adding a second in the 38th after being set up by Harry Kane.

Mexico responded through Julián Quiñones in the 42nd minute and gained a numerical advantage when England defender Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute for a dangerous challenge on Jesús Gallardo.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, England restored its two-goal cushion after Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel conceded a penalty. Kane converted from the spot for his sixth goal of the tournament and the 14th of his World Cup career, drawing level with Gerd Müller for fifth on the competition’s all-time scoring list. Kane now trails Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland by one goal in the race for the Golden Boot.

Kane later conceded a penalty after committing a foul, becoming the first player since at least 1966 to both score and give away a penalty in the same World Cup match. Raúl Jiménez converted from the spot to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

Mexico mounted sustained pressure during the final 21 minutes, along with 11 minutes of stoppage time, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and England’s defense held firm to seal the win.

England will face Norway in the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 11, in Miami Gardens, Florida, with a place in the semifinals at stake.

The defeat extended Mexico’s disappointing World Cup knockout record. The hosts have not reached the quarterfinals since the 1986 tournament, losing in the round of 16 eight times since then, failing to progress beyond the group stage in 2022, and missing the 1990 World Cup after being disqualified.