England produced their finest performance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to defeat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic last-16 clash at the iconic Azteca Stadium, strengthening belief that football may finally be coming home.
In one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament, Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame a hostile atmosphere, severe weather delays and a second-half red card to secure a memorable victory and book a quarter-final meeting with Norway.
The match was delayed by an hour due to severe storms, but England showed composure and quality from the opening whistle against a Mexico side that had lost only two of their previous 89 competitive matches at the Azteca.
England took control just before half-time thanks to an outstanding display from Jude Bellingham. The midfielder scored twice in the space of 98 seconds to stun the home crowd and give the Three Lions a commanding advantage.
Mexico responded through Julian Quinones, who fired home a powerful effort three minutes before the interval to reduce the deficit and lift the atmosphere inside the packed stadium.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford then produced one of the greatest performances of his international career. The Everton shot-stopper made two superb saves to deny Raul Jimenez and kept England ahead during Mexico’s strongest periods.
The game changed again early in the second half when defender Jarell Quansah was shown a red card for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo, forcing England to play with ten men for the remainder of the match.
Despite the setback, England restored their two-goal advantage when captain Harry Kane calmly converted a penalty after Anthony Gordon was brought down by goalkeeper Raul Rangel.
However, the drama continued when Kane conceded a penalty at the other end after fouling Brian Gutierrez. Jimenez converted from the spot to make it 3-2 and set up a tense finale.
With Mexico pushing desperately for an equaliser, Tuchel introduced Dan Burn and Djed Spence and switched to a five-man defence. England showed remarkable discipline and determination to survive 11 minutes of stoppage time and secure one of their greatest World Cup victories in recent history.
Bellingham was undoubtedly the star of the night. In addition to his two goals, he produced a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Cesar Montes when Mexico threatened to level the score before half-time.
Tuchel also deserves enormous credit for his tactical approach. England remained calm under immense pressure, absorbed Mexico’s attacking waves and demonstrated the maturity expected of genuine World Cup contenders.
Pickford’s display was equally important. Making his 17th World Cup appearance, he equalled Peter Shilton’s record for the most World Cup matches played by an England men’s goalkeeper and reminded everyone why he remains England’s undisputed number one.
After defeating the tournament co-hosts in one of football’s most intimidating stadiums, England have shown they possess the quality, resilience and belief required to lift the trophy. With a quarter-final against Norway now awaiting them, the question many fans are beginning to ask is simple:
Is football finally coming home?
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