World Cup 2026 Mexico Knocked Out by England at the Azteca
MEXICO · WORLD CUP
Key Facts
—World Cup 2026 Mexico: Mexico were knocked out 3-2 by England in the round of 16.
—Bellingham brace: Jude Bellingham scored twice in the space of 98 seconds.
—Ten men: England played more than 40 minutes a man down after a red card.
—Azteca drama: Raúl Jiménez’s late penalty set up a tense finish.
—Next: England face Norway in the quarter-finals.
A Jude Bellingham double and a Harry Kane penalty carried ten-man England past co-hosts Mexico at a raucous Estadio Azteca.
World Cup 2026 Mexico fall at the Azteca
Mexico were knocked out of their home World Cup after a 3-2 defeat to England at the Estadio Azteca. The co-hosts pushed hard but could not overturn the deficit.
Jude Bellingham’s quickfire double turned the game England’s way. Harry Kane’s penalty then gave the visitors a cushion they would need.
Mexico rallied but ran out of time against ten-man England. Their tournament ends in the round of 16.
Bellingham turns the game in 98 seconds
The tie swung on a stunning burst from Jude Bellingham. He scored twice in the space of 98 seconds to put England 2-0 ahead.
The double showcased the midfielder’s quality on the biggest stage. Mexico were suddenly chasing the game against the run of early play.
Julián Quiñones offered Mexico hope by pulling a goal back. That strike made it 2-1 and reignited the Azteca.
The goal transformed the atmosphere inside the famous stadium. Suddenly a contest that looked to be slipping away was alive again.
Kane extends the lead
England restored their two-goal cushion from the penalty spot. Harry Kane converted after a foul on Anthony Gordon to make it 3-1.
The goal looked to have given England control of the tie. Mexico, though, were not done yet.
The hosts kept pressing in front of their passionate support. The Azteca sensed a comeback was still possible.
Mexico committed men forward and stretched the English defence. England were increasingly forced onto the back foot.
England survive with ten men
England’s task got harder when Jarell Quansah was sent off early in the second half. The visitors had to hold on for more than 40 minutes a man down.
Raúl Jiménez pulled another goal back for Mexico from the penalty spot. His finish made it 3-2 and set up a tense finale.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced crucial saves to keep England ahead. The Three Lions defended desperately to protect their lead.
The final stages were played almost entirely in the England half. Mexico poured forward in search of a goal that never came.
The numbers behind the defeat
According to FIFA’s official coverage, Mexico threw everything at England in the closing stages. The co-hosts could not find the equaliser their pressure deserved.
By The Rio Times’ reading, Mexico can feel proud of how they pushed a strong England side. Coming so close against ten men will make the exit all the more painful.
The match had been delayed by an hour because of a thunderstorm over Mexico City. It only added to a dramatic, draining night.
The red card shaped the entire second half and forced Mexico onto the front foot. That England still held on speaks to their game management.
What comes next
England advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway. The Scandinavians knocked out Brazil earlier the same weekend.
Mexico, meanwhile, bow out of the tournament they helped to host. Their supporters can still look back on a spirited campaign.
The defeat ends Mexico’s hopes of a deep run on home soil. It is a result that will be dissected for some time to come.
Why it matters
Reaching the last 16 at a home World Cup carried huge expectation for Mexico. Falling at that stage will be a bitter disappointment.
For England, surviving a hostile Azteca with ten men is a statement of resilience. They move on as genuine contenders.
Winning at altitude and a man short is the kind of night that can define a campaign. England will take huge belief from it into the last eight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in World Cup 2026 Mexico vs England?
England won 3-2 at the Estadio Azteca. Jude Bellingham scored twice and Harry Kane added a penalty.
Are Mexico out of the World Cup?
Yes. The defeat eliminated the co-hosts in the round of 16.
Why did England play with ten men?
Jarell Quansah was sent off early in the second half. England held on for more than 40 minutes a man down.
Who scored for Mexico?
Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored for Mexico. Jiménez’s goal came from the penalty spot.
Who do England play next?
England face Norway in the quarter-finals. Norway advanced by knocking out Brazil.
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