FIFA World Cup: England made history, becoming the first team to beat Mexico at the Estadio Azteca | Football news

England’s Harry Kane (9) reacts after scoring his team’s third goal against Mexico. (AP photo)

England engraved their names FIFA World Cup folklore on Sunday night, becoming the first team ever to defeat Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in a World Cup match after they dramatically survived a second-half onslaught to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory in the round of 16.The famous triumph ended Mexico’s unbeaten World Cup record at the iconic stadium, where El Tri went 10 games unbeaten, including three wins during the 2026 tournament. It also sent England to their 11th FIFA World Cup quarter-final, with only Brazil (15) and Germany (14) reaching the last eight more often.The match also added another chapter to the legendary stadium’s history, becoming the 24th FIFA World Cup match to be played at the Estadio Azteca, more than any other stadium in the competition’s history.

Bellingham double silences Azteca

In front of more than 80,000 passionate home fans, Jude Bellingham produced one of the best performances of his international career, scoring twice in just 98 seconds to stun the hosts.The midfielder opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a powerful header before doubling England’s lead two minutes later after a brilliant combination with the captain Harry Kane.Mexico hit back before half-time when Julián Quiñones pulled one back in the 42nd minute, ensuring the contest remained finely balanced until the break.The drama intensified shortly after the restart as England defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a dangerous tackle on Jesús Gallardo. The dismissal made Quansah only the fourth England player to be sent off at the FIFA World Cup and the first since Wayne Rooney in 2006.With England reduced to 10 men, head coach Thomas Tuchel responded by sacrificing Bukaya Saka in place of defender John Stones to bolster the back line.

Kane delivers as England hold on for a late win

Despite being outnumbered, England scored a crucial third when Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was brought down by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel.Kane’s goal was his sixth of the tournament and his 14th overall at the FIFA World Cup, moving him level with German legend Gerd Müller for fifth on the competition’s all-time goalscoring list. He also kept him within easy reach of Golden Boot leaders Lionel MessiKylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, who have seven goals each.Kane later conceded a penalty, becoming the first player since at least 1966 to score and score from the spot in the same World Cup match. Raúl Jiménez converted to reduce the deficit to 3-2, setting up a furious finish.Mexico pushed forward relentlessly for the final 21 minutes and 11 minutes of stoppage time, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and a determined English defense held firm to preserve the lead.The win secured England a place in a third consecutive World Cup quarter-final, where they will meet Norway and striker Erling Haaland in Miami Gardens for a place in the last four.For Mexico, the defeat continued a painful trend. El Tri have now failed to progress beyond the round of 16 at every World Cup since their home tournament in 1986.