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Mexico falls to 10-man England in World Cup last 16 as Azteca streak ends

England's midfielder #10 Jude Bellingham, England's forward #18 Anthony Gordon and England's midfielder #17 Morgan Rogers celebrate after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Mexico and England at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, July 5, 2026. (AFP Photo)
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England's midfielder #10 Jude Bellingham, England's forward #18 Anthony Gordon and England's midfielder #17 Morgan Rogers celebrate after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Mexico and England at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, July 5, 2026. (AFP Photo)
July 06, 2026 08:31 AM GMT+03:00

England held off Mexico for a 3-2 victory in the World Cup last 16 on Sunday despite playing the final 40 minutes with 10 men, ending the home side's long unbeaten run at the Estadio Azteca.

The loss was only Mexico's third in 90 matches at the Estadio Azteca, snapping a home unbeaten run that dated to 2013 against visiting teams. It also ended Mexico's perfect World Cup record at the stadium, where it had won its previous four matches without conceding a goal.

Bellingham fires England through

The match kicked off an hour late after thunderstorms and heavy rain in Mexico City prompted FIFA to delay the start over lightning concerns.

Mexico controlled much of the opening half but failed to capitalize before Jude Bellingham sparked England into life with two goals in quick succession. The midfielder headed England in front in the 36th minute before doubling the lead two minutes later after connecting with Harry Kane's pass.

Mexico pulled one back before halftime when Julian Quinones curled a free kick into the net after England conceded a foul, sending the hosts into the break trailing 2-1.

England's midfielder #10 Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Mexico and England at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, July 5, 2026. (AFP Photo)
England's midfielder #10 Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Mexico and England at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, July 5, 2026. (AFP Photo)

England's task became more difficult early in the second half when defender Jarell Quansah received a straight red card following a video review, leaving the visitors to play the remaining 40 minutes, including stoppage time, with 10 players.

Even so, England restored its two-goal cushion in the 60th minute as Kane converted a penalty after goalkeeper Raul Rangel brought down Anthony Gordon inside the area.

Raul Jimenez answered with a penalty in the 69th minute to cut the deficit to 3-2, but Mexico could not find an equalizer despite sustained late pressure and 11 minutes of added time. England held on to book its place in the quarterfinals.

Mexico players acknowledge the crowd after losing the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Mexico and England at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, July 5, 2026.  (AFP Photo)
Mexico players acknowledge the crowd after losing the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Mexico and England at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, July 5, 2026. (AFP Photo)

England, Norway set as US remains lone host

England will face Norway in the quarterfinals on Saturday at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m. local time (2100 GMT). The winner will advance to the semifinals on July 15 in Atlanta against either Argentina, Egypt, Switzerland or Colombia.

Norway reached the last eight for the first time after upsetting five-time champion Brazil 2-1 earlier on Sunday. Erling Haaland struck twice in the final 11 minutes to overturn Brazil's lead, sending the Scandinavian side into its maiden World Cup quarterfinal.

Norway had also opened its knockout campaign with a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the round of 32 after finishing second behind France in Group I.

Meanwhile, Mexico's elimination leaves the United States as the only host nation still with a chance of reaching the quarterfinals. Canada became the first co-host to exit the tournament after a 3-0 defeat to Morocco on Friday.

The United States, which beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the round of 32, takes on Belgium in Seattle on Monday for the final remaining quarterfinal berth from its side of the bracket.

July 06, 2026 08:31 AM GMT+03:00
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