Bellingham brace, Kane penalty fire England past Mexico into FIFA WC 2026 QF
Synopsis
England survived more than 40 minutes with ten men to beat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a breathless FIFA World Cup 2026 last-16 tie in Mexico City. Bellingham's 98-second double and Kane's penalty proved the difference — a result that ends Mexico's unbeaten World Cup record at their home stadium and sends England into a quarter-final against Norway in Miami on 11 July.
Key Takeaways
England beat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16 on 6 July at the Mexico City Stadium .
Jude Bellingham scored twice in 98 seconds ; Harry Kane netted a penalty — his sixth goal of the tournament.
Jarell Quansah was sent off early in the second half, leaving England to defend with ten men for over 40 minutes .
The result ended Mexico's unbeaten FIFA World Cup record at the Mexico City Stadium .
England face Norway in the quarter-final in Miami on 11 July .
England have now reached the World Cup quarter-finals in three consecutive editions for only the second time in their history.
Jude Bellingham scored twice in 98 seconds and Harry Kane converted a penalty as England defeated co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a pulsating FIFA World Cup 2026 last-16 clash at the Mexico City Stadium on 6 July, booking a quarter-final date with Norway in Miami on 11 July. The match, delayed by an hour due to adverse weather, will be remembered as one of the tournament's defining contests.
How the Goals Fell
Mexico controlled the early exchanges, but Bellingham turned the game on its head with a devastating two-goal burst. He first headed home from a Bukayo Saka cross, then, almost directly from the restart, slotted in after Kane capitalised on a Mexican turnover to set him through. Julian Quinones immediately pulled one back for the co-hosts with a fierce close-range drive past Jordan Pickford.
After the break, Nico O'Reilly struck the post before Jarell Quansah was shown a red card for a challenge on Jesus Gallardo, reducing England to ten men. Within moments, Mexican goalkeeper Raul Rangel brought down Anthony Gordon in the box. Kane stepped up and rifled home his sixth goal of the tournament to make it 3-1. A subsequent VAR review awarded Mexico a penalty after Kane fouled Brian Gutierrez; Raul Jimenez converted to make it 3-2 and set up a grandstand finale.
England's Ten-Man Rearguard
For more than 40 minutes England held on with a man down, repelling sustained Mexican pressure as the co-hosts pushed desperately for an equaliser that would have forced extra time. Pickford was outstanding throughout, producing a crucial save to deny Jimenez before half-time. England's defensive resilience in the closing stages was the decisive factor in a match that swung repeatedly.
Historic Context
The victory ended Mexico's unbeaten record in FIFA World Cup matches at the Mexico City Stadium. It was also England's first appearance at that venue in 40 years, since their 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Argentina in the 1986 World Cup. England have now reached the last eight in three consecutive World Cup editions for only the second time in their history, matching the run across 1962, 1966, and 1970. This was only the second ever FIFA World Cup meeting between the two nations; England previously beat Mexico 2-0 in the 1966 group stage on their way to winning the trophy.
What Is Next for England
England now face Norway in the quarter-final in Miami on 11 July. The Three Lions will need to recover key personnel and manage the suspension implications of Quansah's red card ahead of that tie. A place in the semi-finals awaits the winner.
Point of View
They absorbed relentless pressure from a co-host nation playing in front of a partisan home crowd and held on. Bellingham's 98-second double was the kind of moment that defines tournament careers, but the real story was the defensive resolve that followed Quansah's dismissal. Norway will pose a different kind of problem in Miami — more structured, less emotional — and England's ability to control a match from the front, rather than simply survive, will be the defining question of the quarter-final.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of England vs Mexico in the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16?
England defeated co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 last-16 match at the Mexico City Stadium on 6 July. Jude Bellingham scored twice and Harry Kane added a penalty to secure the win despite playing with ten men for over 40 minutes.
Who scored for England against Mexico?
Jude Bellingham scored twice in 98 seconds — heading in from a Bukayo Saka cross and then slotting home after a Kane assist. Harry Kane added a penalty, his sixth goal of the tournament, after goalkeeper Raul Rangel fouled Anthony Gordon.
Why was Jarell Quansah sent off?
Jarell Quansah received a red card early in the second half for a challenge on Jesus Gallardo, leaving England to play with ten men for more than 40 minutes of the match.
Who do England play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final?
England will face Norway in the quarter-final in Miami on 11 July. The winner advances to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
What is the historical significance of England's win over Mexico?
The result ended Mexico's unbeaten FIFA World Cup record at the Mexico City Stadium. It was also England's first game at that ground in 40 years, since their 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Argentina in 1986. England have now reached the last eight in three consecutive World Cups for only the second time in their history.
