MEXICO CITY, July 5 (US time) — England booked its place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging host nation Mexico 3–2 in a thrilling Round of 16 clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
The highly anticipated knockout match was delayed by one hour because of thunderstorms and lightning in the Mexico City area, with FIFA ordering fans and teams to shelter before kickoff. Once play began, the contest lived up to expectations, delivering five goals and end-to-end drama.
England took control with an impressive attacking display, but Mexico refused to back down, fueled by a passionate home crowd. The hosts fought back with two goals and pushed relentlessly for an equalizer in the closing stages. England’s defense, however, held firm to preserve a narrow 3–2 victory.
The win sends England into the quarterfinals, where they will face Norway, which earlier stunned Brazil 2–1 in another Round of 16 upset. The matchup promises to be one of the tournament’s marquee quarterfinals.
For Mexico, the defeat ends a memorable World Cup campaign on home soil. El Tri had entered the match unbeaten and full of confidence after defeating Ecuador in the previous round, but England’s clinical finishing ultimately proved decisive.
England now moves one step closer to its dream of lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy for the first time since 1966, while Mexico exits the tournament with its supporters applauding a spirited performance despite the heartbreaking result.
