England Edge Mexico 3-2 In Thriller To Reach World Cup Quarterfinals
Bellingham brace and Kane penalty send Three Lions through at Estadio Banorte
England survived a wild night in Guadalajara to beat hosts Mexico 3-2 and book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals at Estadio Banorte.
Mexico came out flying. Raúl Jiménez had the first big chance in the 14th minute but his header was denied by Jordan Pickford. The hosts kept pushing, but it was England who struck first.
In the 36th minute, Bukayo Saka burst down the right and whipped in a beautiful cross that found an unmarked Jude Bellingham, who nodded home. Two minutes later Bellingham struck again, this time finishing a cutback from Harry Kane to make it 2-0.
Mexico hit back immediately. Julián Quiñones pulled one back in the 41st minute to give the home crowd hope. Jiménez almost made it 2-2 on the stroke of halftime, but Pickford produced another strong save to keep England ahead.
The game turned early in the second half. Nine minutes in, referee Alireza Faghani showed a straight red to Johan Vásquez for serious foul play. Moments later, Anthony Gordon was brought down in the box and Faghani pointed to the spot without hesitation. Kane stepped up in the 60th minute and coolly converted to make it 3-1.
Jiménez gave Mexico late life, scoring from the penalty spot in the 67th minute. But despite a frantic finish and the altitude, the crowd, and the occasion, England held on.
Man of the Match: Jude Bellingham
The 23-year-old led by example with 2 goals, non-stop running, and control in midfield.
Reactions after the match
Javier Aguirre, Mexico manager:
“This is football; they’re a great team. We did what we could. I can’t say anything to my players; they gave everything.”
Thomas Tuchel, England manager:
“If a team has heart and belief, it’s this team. They did it on pure WILL. It was an iconic match in an iconic stadium. I have no words. I’m very, very proud. The players just refused to give in. On every level, that’s absolutely admirable. Everyone from the bench was BRILLIANT again. We won a crazy match in a crazy atmosphere. We were up against all the odds — but we just refused to give in.”
On Jordan Henderson: “Not good. Jordan fell over and injured his WRIST. It looks really bad.”
Jordan Pickford:
“That’s probably one we’re still gonna talk about for years. A lot of emotions, a lot of RESILIENCE. I’m the most experienced in the group — when called upon you roll your sleeves up. I’ve always had a fight, a passion, a pride in the shirt. Big moments, big time — that’s the standard I set myself.”
Anthony Gordon:
“Once in a lifetime opportunity, once in a lifetime atmosphere — they tested us in the worst way possible and we came through. The altitude, the atmosphere — you feel it. First 20 minutes was difficult. But we can handle these situations — we’re never gonna let them down. When I got on I knew I had to run more than ever. I defended, I blocked crosses, I won the pen. I can change my game, be effective anyway — today I just did whatever the team needed.”
England now march on to the quarterfinals. For Mexico, the dream ends at home, but not without a fight.