England wrapped up one of the toughest challenges of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Mexico, marking the hosts’ first-ever World Cup loss at Estadio Azteca and securing a spot in the quarterfinals.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were the stars of the show, helping England navigate a raucous home crowd, the difficulties of high altitude, and a second-half struggle after being reduced to 10 men.
This thrilling victory also held a deeper significance. Exactly 40 years after England’s heart-wrenching 1986 World Cup loss to Argentina at the same venue, famously remembered for Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal, Kane’s crucial penalty brought a sense of redemption to this legendary stadium.
England’s coach, Thomas Tuchel, commended his team’s resilience after such a nail-biting match, as he said, ‘I am just proud of the mentality and the attitude … round of 16 it is a moment in tournaments when you find a way to win and we did it with pure mentality and heart. We overcame every obstacle that was thrown our way.”
Later on, after Jarell Quansah received a red card, Kane coolly slotted home a penalty to restore England’s two-goal lead, even as Mexico made a spirited comeback.
Jordan Pickford Stands Tall as England Survive Mexico’s Late Fightback
Jordan Pickford delivered a standout performance that truly defined the match, helping England withstand relentless pressure to maintain their slim lead. The Everton goalkeeper matched Peter Shilton’s record for the most World Cup appearances by an England men’s player, reaching 17, and silenced any earlier doubts with a decisive display.
In front of a packed crowd of 80,824 and at an altitude of over 7,000 feet, England faced a staggering 23 shots from Mexico while managing just six of their own. Pickford rose to the occasion with three vital saves, including two from inside the penalty area, along with five commanding punches, nine ball recoveries, and 48 touches.
His first significant save came in the 15th minute when he quickly reacted to deny Raúl Jiménez’s diving header following a cross from Roberto Alvarado. As the first half drew to a close, with Mexico pressing hard after Julián Quiñones had narrowed the gap, Pickford tipped another header from Jiménez over the bar, keeping England’s lead intact at halftime.
His final crucial moment came in the 88th minute after England switched to a back five; he confidently caught Álvaro Fidalgo’s curling shot, preventing Mexico from snatching a late equalizer. The pressure intensified after Quansah’s red card in the 54th minute, but England held their ground, even as Mexico dominated possession with 66%.
Bellingham’s brace in the first half and Kane’s penalty ultimately secured the win, while Pickford’s composure under pressure was key to England’s success. This victory sets Thomas Tuchel’s team up for a quarterfinal clash against Norway in Miami on July 11.