Bellingham Brace Fires 10-Man England Past Mexico Into World Cup Quarter-Finals

Bellingham Brace Fires 10-Man England Past Mexico Into World Cup Quarter-Finals England booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after battling to a thrilling 3-2 victory over hosts Mexico despite playing much of the second half with 10 men. Jude Bellingham produced another outstanding display, scoring twice in just 98 seconds during the first half as the Three Lions stunned a packed Estadio Azteca and handed Mexico only their third defeat in 90 matches at the iconic stadium. Harry Kane also found the net from the penalty spot as England overcame Jarell Quansah’s second-half red card, the challenges of Mexico City’s high altitude and an intimidating home crowd to keep alive their dream of winning a first major international trophy since the 1966 World Cup. England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his side’s resilience after surviving a fierce Mexican fightback. “When the going gets tough, they never give up, they never lose belief. It was one step more,” Tuchel said after the match. “We need to take this in. This is Azteca, it’s Mexico, a crazy game. We left everything out there, every single one of us. We need to take this in, now it’s full steam ahead. Bellingham opened the scoring before doubling England’s advantage moments later to put the visitors firmly in control. Mexico responded through Julián Quiñones before halftime to cut the deficit and reignite the contest.

England’s task became even more difficult when defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card early in the second half, leaving Tuchel’s men to defend with 10 players. Kane restored England’s two-goal cushion from the penalty spot, but Raúl Jiménez converted a spot-kick for Mexico to make it 3-2 and set up a tense finale. Despite relentless pressure from the hosts, England held firm to secure a famous victory and advance to the last eight, where they will face Norway, who earlier shocked Brazil 2-1. The victory also erased painful memories of England’s 1986 World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina at the Azteca, a match remembered for Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal and his stunning solo effort. England will now turn their attention to the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of a first major tournament triumph in six decades.