England pulls off dramatic win against Mexico for quarter-final spot
England won 3-2 against Mexico in a delayed last-16 tie
Last updated 6th Jul 2026
England overcame hostility, altitude and a red card as Thomas Tuchel’s side edged a 3-2 blockbuster against World Cup co-hosts Mexico to set-up a quarter-final clash with Norway.
The back-to-back European Championship finalists faced all manner of obstacles heading into Sunday’s last-16 tie at the majestic Estadio Azteca, where kick-off was delayed by an hour due to a storm.
England started well 2,200 metres above sea level when the last-16 tie eventually got under way, with Jude Bellingham’s quickfire brace silencing supporters whose hopes would be revived by Julian Quinones before the break.
Mexican belief grew further when right-back Quansah was sent off for a clumsy challenge early in the second half, only for Tuchel’s team to immediately respond through skipper Harry Kane’s spot-kick.
Raul Jimenez added a penalty of his own to increase English nerves, yet the visitors defended well to win on a wild night in Mexico City.
Football’s Coming Home rung around the famous stadium at the end of a match that began with a start as intense as the atmosphere.
A date with Norway in Miami is the reward as England kept their quest for World Cup glory alive and helped avenge Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ on their return to the Azteca after 40 years.
They may have another challenge to overcome before then though with Thomas Tuchel confirming Jordan Henderson is in hospital with "quite a serious injury" after falling over an advertising board, as England celebrated their win.
The Prince of Wales was among the first to congratulate the England football team.
The prince wrote in a social media post: “Well done England! Bring on the quarter final!”
Supporters packed out hundreds of bars and pubs for the late-night clash after the Government extended opening hours to 5am on Monday, with beers flying into the air at the final whistle following 11 minutes of added time.
Meanwhile MPs around the country were also up late to watch England triumph.
In a post on X, Labour MP Stella Creasy quipped: “I have no idea how I do the school run this morning after a red card and a penalty… Like having had ten espressos and a red bull chaser…”
Reform MP Robert Jenrick added: “So proud of this England team. Heroes, each and every one of them.”
Ecstatic England fans spontaneously broke out into Sweet Caroline at Boxpark Wembley in north-west London, with people jumping into the air and Co2 cannons blasting white fog in celebration.
Similar scenes occurred at fan parks in Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle with confetti flying as shirtless fans embraced each other.