England have advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Cup 2026 after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. Thomas Tuchel's side overcame altitude fears and a red card to Jarell Quansah, leaving Mexico unable to breathe in a nerve-shredding triumph.
Bellingham's Double Stuns Mexico
Jude Bellingham scored two goals in 98 seconds, turning the game on its head after Mexico had dominated the opening 35 minutes. The Real Madrid star headed home from a Bukayo Saka cross in the 36th minute, then converted a pass from Harry Kane two minutes later. Mediotiempo (Mexico) reported: "That dreaded altitude never affected the English, who arrived prepared for all kinds of hostilities and crushed the Mexican dream."
Mexico's Fightback Falls Short
Julian Quinones pulled one back for Mexico before half-time. In the second half, Quansah was sent off, but England extended their lead through a Harry Kane penalty. Raul Jimenez converted a spot-kick for Mexico with 20 minutes to go, setting up a frantic finish. Record (Mexico) lamented: "The Mexican team failed to find a game-changing player on the field. And it's infuriating. We've never been so close."
Media Reaction Across the Globe
AS (South America) noted the cruelty of football: "Thirty-five minutes in which England barely managed to get past midfield, and in two minutes, two goals. Simple." Marca (Spain) highlighted Bellingham's performance: "Bellingham stunned the crowd of more than 80,000 at a venue where Mexico was unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches." Globo (Brazil) praised England's defence: "The wall of giant English defenders — Konsa, Guéhi, Stones and Burn — along with goalkeeper Pickford, withstood the pressure until the end."
England's Resilience Praised
The Daily Mirror (England) focused on Bellingham's importance: "Tuchel knows that this side needs the Stourbridge-born star in it and performing at something like his best." England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals in Miami on Saturday.
