England booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after surviving a dramatic late fightback from Mexico to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory despite finishing the match with 10 men.
Thomas Tuchel’s side looked to be cruising towards the last eight after Jude Bellingham scored twice in just 98 seconds before Harry Kane extended England’s advantage following Jarrel Quansah’s dismissal.
However, Mexico refused to surrender. Julián Quiñones pulled one back before Raúl Jiménez converted a late penalty, setting up a tense finale that England successfully navigated to seal a meeting with Norway on 11 July.
The victory keeps England’s hopes of lifting the World Cup alive and sets up a fascinating quarter-final against a Norway side inspired by Erling Haaland, who stunned Brazil in the previous round.
England’s breakthrough came through Bellingham, whose two rapid-fire goals transformed the contest and left Mexico reeling. The Real Madrid midfielder struck twice in the space of just 98 seconds to put the Three Lions firmly in control.
Mexico’s hopes of mounting an immediate response suffered another setback when England captain Harry Kane added a third goal, giving Tuchel’s men what appeared to be an unassailable lead.
The complexion of the match changed after defender Jarrel Quansah was shown a red card following what was described as a “nasty challenge”, forcing England to play the remainder of the contest with 10 men.
Mexico seized on the numerical advantage and reduced the deficit through Quiñones, injecting fresh belief into Javier Aguirre’s side.
The pressure intensified deep into the closing stages when Mexico were awarded a penalty. Veteran striker Jiménez made no mistake from the spot, narrowing the score to 3-2 and setting up a nervy finish.
Despite the late drama, England held their nerve to secure a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway in a highly anticipated showdown.
Tuchel’s side will know they face a formidable challenge after Haaland’s two late goals eliminated five-time champions Brazil to send Norway into the last eight for the first time in the men’s team’s history.
England will take confidence from their attacking display, particularly the form of Bellingham and Kane, but Quansah’s suspension following his dismissal could force Tuchel into a defensive reshuffle for the quarter-final.
With a place in the semi-finals at stake, England will now turn their attention to containing one of the tournament’s most prolific forwards when they meet Haaland and Norway on 11 July.
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