Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane propelled England to the World Cup quarterfinals, triumphing over a hostile crowd, the high altitude of Estadio Azteca and playing with a numerical disadvantage after halftime to secure a 3-2 victory over Mexico on Sunday night.
In the very stadium where England once suffered Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal in 1986, it was Kane’s decisive strike that finally brought redemption to the nation four decades later.
“I am proud of the team’s mindset and determination,” Tuchel remarked. “In tournament knockout stages you must find a way to win, and we achieved it through sheer resolve and heart.”
Bellingham netted two goals just 98 seconds apart in the opening half. Following Jarell Quansah’s dismissal six minutes later, Kane converted a penalty to extend England’s lead to two goals.
England will now meet Norway on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida, in a bid for a semifinal berth.
Kane added, voice hoarse, “It was an extraordinary night; we fought for every moment. The stakes, the opposition, everything weighed against us, yet we emerged victorious.”
Harry Kane LOSES VOICE After England’s Win Over Mexico in Round of 16
Bellingham shocked the 80,824-strong crowd at a venue where Mexico had remained unbeaten in ten World Cup matches, including three in this tournament, by heading home in the 36th minute and repeating the feat 98 seconds later after a pass from Kane.
“We accomplished something remarkable tonight, there’s no doubt about it. We’ll savor this moment, singing until our voices tire on the flight home, but we’ll have a few days to recover before turning our focus to Norway,” Bellingham said.
Julián Quiñones equalised for Mexico in the 42nd minute, and the tide seemed to turn when Quansah received a red card in the 54th minute for a reckless foul on Jesús Gallardo.
England’s Jarell Quansah sent off after VAR review for foul against Mexico | 2026 FIFA World Cup
England was awarded a penalty after a challenge by Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, and Kane converted to claim his sixth goal of the tournament and his 14th World Cup career goal, tying Gerd Müller for fifth on the all‑time list. Kane sits one spot behind Messi, Mbappé and Haaland in the Golden Boot race.
Kane subsequently committed a foul that resulted in a penalty, making him the first player in at least 60 years to both score and concede a penalty in the same World Cup match. Raúl Jiménez stepped up and converted with a stutter‑step approach, narrowing the deficit to 3‑2.
“We’ve faced ten men for 40‑50 minutes – even at sea level that would be a Herculean task, let alone at altitude,” Tuchel observed. “The opposition was utterly exhausted, yet they gave everything for the victory, for each other, and for the badge.”
(Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)
Mexico has not advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals since hosting in 1986, having endured eight round‑of‑16 exits, a group‑stage failure in 2022 and disqualification from the 1990 tournament.
“Dreaming and falling in this manner is painful, but the players can leave with their heads held high,” said Mexico coach Javier Aguirre. “They gave everything, but today it was not meant to be. The supporters hoped for more, and we could not deliver another night of joy.”
It was Mexico’s third competitive loss at Azteca, which opened in 1966, after defeats to Costa Rica in 2001 and Honduras in 2013.
The stadium sits 7,300 feet (2,200 meters) above sea level, and England had no time to acclimatize. Horns blared outside the English hotel to disturb sleep, and kickoff was delayed an hour by a thunderstorm.
Regardless, England progressed to the quarterfinals with aspirations of ending its 1966 title drought, while its minority fans continued to chant Oasis’ “Wonderwall.”
England Sings “Wonderwall” After Round of 16 Win Against Mexico
“This may well rank among the most significant England victories in recent memory, perhaps the most I have ever witnessed as a fan or player,” Bellingham declared. “It was the pinnacle of my England career.”
Midfielder Jordan Henderson was taken to hospital after the match with a wrist injury, Tuchel confirmed. He suffered the injury when he tripped over an advertising board during post‑match celebrations.
“I am torn; I am saddened that Jordan is not with us after his injury,” Tuchel added. “The medical staff are handling the situation, and we await further details.”
“Dreaming and falling like this hurts a lot, but the players should leave with their heads held high,” Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said. “They left everything on the pitch, but today it just wasn’t meant to be. The fans had high hopes, and we couldn’t get the job done and give them another night of joy.”
Midfielder Jordan Henderson was taken to a hospital after the match with a wrist injury, Tuchel said. He was hurt when he tumbled over an advertising board during the postgame celebration.
“I have mixed feelings; I am sad because Jordan injured his wrist and it is quite serious. It just does not fit with the evening that Jordan is not with us,” Tuchel added. “I do not know the procedure; the doctor told me that he is in the hospital.”
