Mexican media have reacted to England’s stunning last-16 victory over Mexico by heaping praise on Jude Bellingham and his team-mates. Thomas Tuchel’s side fought tooth and nail to defeat World Cup 2026 co-hosts Mexico 3-2 on their home turf in the early hours of Monday morning.
Bellingham's Brace Stuns Mexico
England's journey to securing their place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway, was a gruelling one. Real Madrid superstar Bellingham struck twice in as many minutes before half time, set up by Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane respectively. Minutes later, Mexico clawed one back just before the break and looked set for a comeback when Jarell Quansah was sent off for a wild challenge in the second half, only for Harry Kane to convert a penalty - his sixth goal of the tournament - to hand England a 3-1 advantage after Anthony Gordon was brought down in the box.
Mexican Media: Bellingham an 'Unstoppable Force'
Midfielder Bellingham, 23, attracted the most attention from the defeated Mexican media, who praised his monumental impact. Excelsior described it as an overall 'great performance' by the 1966 winners. The publication poignantly wrote: 'The power of Jude Bellingham, the strength of Harry Kane and England's defensive prowess were like iron hammers that demolished Mexico's World Cup dreams, still unable to win the important matches.'
Excelsior added: 'England won through sheer hard work and experience, with more talented players coming through when it mattered most. Jude Bellingham had warned everyone he wasn't going to be taken lightly. With his first touch of the ball in midfield, he drew three opponents away. The Real Madrid attacker is an unstoppable force when he's facing the goal. Mexico realised this late, when they first experienced conceding goals in their own World Cup. The landscape of happiness quickly turned dark. But English pragmatism always met with a Mexican response, even if it meant going against time and history.'
El Universal echoed those feelings. They wrote: 'Guillermo Ochoa warned the media a day before the match that clinical efficiency is what defines powerhouse teams. Jude Bellingham left them a reminder with his brace.' They noted that 'Mexico’s vast possession became merely a statistic,' thanks to Bellingham’s goal. The outlet added: 'Mexico bowed out with their heads held high. England suffered from start to finish.'
England's Resilience Praised
Another publication, Esto, wrote: 'The Mexican heart stopped beating. El Tri gave everything on the field, but their own mistakes cost them elimination against an England side that left the Mexico City stadium covered in blood, with their passage to the quarter-finals in hand.'
Esto continued: 'Jude's strike wasn't an isolated moment. On the very next play, Gilberto Mora lost possession, and Gordon and Bellingham launched another attack. The number 10 opened up the play for Kane and then cut inside to the far post to await the English captain's cross. The Real Madrid player silenced the stadium with his second goal of the night.'
They also saved some praise for the England skipper, adding: 'Harry Kane was made for those moments. Lethal and fearless in that position, he unleashed a venomous shot that Raul Rangel tried to save with a stretch that fell short, as the ball kissed the net.'
Nervy Finish but England Hold On
Kane then gave away a penalty at the other end which was slotted away, setting up a nervy final half hour, including 11 minutes of stoppage time. But the Three Lions stood firm and saw out a famous win at the Azteca Stadium, banishing their demons of old. With sheer heart and grit, England endured the final 20 minutes huddled in their own half. Pickford narrowed the angle, and five defenders, supported by Bellingham and Gordon, shut down the defence.
