England survived a mighty scare to secure a 3-2 victory against Mexico to advance at the World Cup 2026 thanks to Jude Bellingham’s quick-fire double and Harry Kane’s penalty in a classic tie at the Azteca Stadium.
A gritty rearguard performance late on, after Jarell Quansah’s red card left Thomas Tuchel’s side with 10 men, was enough to advance to the quarter-finals against Erling Haaland’s Norway and eliminate the co-hosts, with Bellingham netting twice in three minutes in the first half and Kane adding a second-half penalty.
Jordan Henderson suffered a freak injury during the celebrations, as he fell over the advertising hoardings and may have ended his World Cup, while attention will turn to a last-eight tie against the Norwegians on Saturday, where sweltering temperatures are set to cause issues for the Three Lions. With the Floridian humidity, temperatures for the game are set to feel like 44C.
Follow all the latest reaction from Mexico v England below:
Mexico v England live
- England beat Mexico 3-2 in World Cup last-16 thriller for all-time great win
- Three Lions will now play Norway in quarter-finals on Saturday evening
- Miami heat 'will feel like 44C' for England v Norway
- Furious Tuchel rants at Mexico v England referee and VAR team
- Jude Bellingham scored twice to put England ahead, Harry Kane converts penalty to add third goal
- Jarell Quansah sent off early in second half leaving England with 10-men
- Jordan Henderson suffers freak injury after falling over advertising hoardings
Where does Tuchel rank among England managers?
17:00 , Mike Jones
After masterminding a great win, where does Thomas Tuchel rank amongst England managers?
Norway boss tears into Fifa over ‘big mistake’ to overturn Folarin Balogun’s red card at World Cup
16:50 , Richard Jolly
Norway manager Stale Solbakken has slammed Fifa for making a big mistake in overturning the suspension for the United States striker Folarin Balogun.
Balogun was sent off in the USA’s 2-0 World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic.
Norway boss tears into Fifa over ‘big mistake’ to overturn Folarin Balogun’s red card
Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford shine in dramatic World Cup win over Mexico
16:40 , Lawrence Ostlere
England pulled off a desperate and dramatic victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca to knock out the co-hosts and reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Jude Bellingham scored twice in a first-half blitz as England took control of the game, but Julian Quinones responded with a goal at a set-piece before half-time.
England player ratings: 9/10 star leads Three Lions to win – but one man gets 4/10
Can England win the World Cup?
16:30 , Mike Jones
Now we get to the nitty gritty question. Can England actually win the World Cup?
Seven chaotic moments that defined England’s heroic World Cup win over Mexico
16:20 , Luke Baker
Kane loses voice and Henderson injures himself in celebrations
The drama didn’t end there, with plenty of points of interest coming after the full-time whistle. Kane caused much hilarity by roaring himself hoarse during the celebrations and trying to give a post-match interview, when he had lost his voice.
In less light-hearted news however, Jordan Henderson suffered a freak injury when he fell over the advertising hoardings during the celebrations. He appeared to injure his arm and Tuchel admitted afterwards it didn’t look good. The veteran midfielder stayed in Mexico City with a member of the medical team while the rest of the squad returned to Kansas City and there are fears that his World Cup is over.
Seven chaotic moments that defined England’s heroic World Cup win over Mexico
16:10 , Luke Baker
Mexico score spot-kick of their own and throw the kitchen sink at England
Job done for England at that point? Not a bit of it... On 69 minutes, the VAR sent Faghani to the monitor for a penalty review and Kane was adjudged to have caught Brian Guiterrez while clearing the ball, in a ticky-tacky call. Pickford went the right way but Jimenez’s spot-kick was just beyond him.
That left England with 20 minutes, plus a further 11 minutes of injury time, to hold on to the lead and Tuchel told his troops to batten down the hatches with Dan Burn and Djed Spence sent on to bolster the defensive effort. An increasingly desperate Mexico threw the kitchen sink at their opponents but Pickford commanded his area brilliantly, defenders put their bodies on the line and England clung on to book a quarter-final spot.
Seven chaotic moments that defined England’s heroic World Cup win over Mexico
16:00 , Luke Baker
Kane converts penalty to restore two-goal lead
The 10 men could have wilted in the Azteca intensity but instead they responded well to having a man disadvantage, with John Stones coming on for Saka to bolster the backline. And just six minutes after the red card, England were two goals to the good once more.
The impressive Anthony Gordon burst into the box, flicked the ball past Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel and was brought down by the stopper, with Faghani pointing to the spot. Kane took a deep breath, steadied himself and fired the penalty into the corner for a 3-1 lead.
More from Trump:
15:56 , Mike Jones
"If they wouldn't allow a top player, maybe among the best players on the team, to play, I think it would have had a big stain and I related just that feeling. I didn't tell them what to do. I can't tell them what to do.
“I don't believe he [Infantino] made the decision, I think it was a committee that made the decision, and they made the right decision because number one it wasn't a foul, and you want to see a game with your best players.
“How would you feel if you took [Lionel] Messi, or [Cristiano] Ronaldo or Harry Kane out? You can't do that. We gotta have our best players and Belgium's got a great team by the way.
“We gotta have our best and they gotta have their best. And if we win or we lose, it's fair."
Donald Trump admits speaking to Fifa over Balogun red card
15:55 , Mike Jones
The US president explained: "All I did was I asked for a review because I didn't think it was a foul. Again, I'm good at this stuff. I didn't think it was a foul.
“I thought it was two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled. That was not a guy punching somebody in the face or anything that would be different.”
Seven chaotic moments that defined England’s heroic World Cup win over Mexico
15:50 , Luke Baker
Quansah red card leaves England short-handed
The break settled England but the game flipped on 54 minutes when Jarell Quansah made a sliding tackle on Jesus Gallardo. The referee, Alireza Faghani, let play go on but Gallardo lay injured as the Mexican staff and substitutes were furious on the touchline near the incident.
And when the video assistant referee called Faghani to review the footage on his pitch-side monitor, England feared the worst. The Australian-Iranian referee duly showed Quansah a straight red card for violent conduct, after replays confirmed the right-back had slid over the top of the ball and put studs on to the leg of Gallardo in a dangerous manner.
Seven chaotic moments that defined England’s heroic World Cup win over Mexico
15:40 , Luke Baker
Mexico pull goal back in onslaught to end first half
The hosts were soon back in the contest as Julian Quinones lashed home when England failed to deal with a free-kick and they then peppered Pickford’s goal in the minutes before half-time.
Raul Jimenez fired millimetres wide, Pickford brilliantly tipped another effort from the Mexican star over the bar and Bellingham produced one of the great defensive moments of this World Cup when he somehow got back to flick the ball away from Cesar Montes as he was about to tap in. The Three Lions had somehow survived until half-time with their lead intact.
Seven chaotic moments that defined England’s heroic World Cup win over Mexico
15:30 , Luke Baker
Bellingham’s quickfire double
After England successfully saw out the first half an hour, they soon entered dreamland, with Jude Bellingham stamping his authority on the game and once again proving his ability to shine on the biggest stage.
Firstly, on 36 minutes, Jordan Pickford launched an attack that ended with Bukayo Saka clipping in a cross that Bellingham headed home. Then, less than two minutes later, Harry Kane looked set to shoot, only to square for the Real Madrid midfielder to tap home. England suddenly had a 2-0 lead.
Seven chaotic moments that defined England’s heroic World Cup win over Mexico
15:20 , Luke Baker
Electrical storm delays kick-off
Before the match even started, there was drama, with kick-off delayed by an hour due to an electrical storm in the surrounding area. Under tournament safety rules, any lightning strikes detected within eight miles of the stadium result in an automatic 30-minute delay to play,
The last-16 tie was due to kick-off at 6pm local time (1am BST) but due to the severe weather, that was changed to 7pm local time (2am BST).The first rumblings of a thunderstorm had started around 2:30pm local time, while fans were not permitted entry into the 80,000-seater stadium at 3pm due to heavy rain, thunder and lightning. The stadium's specific electrical storm protocol was enacted, advising fans and officials to take cover.
This came two days after Fifa considered shifting the kick-off time to midday, due to severe weather on the forecast but then backtracked after complaints from both FAs over not being consulted on the decision. At midday, it was sunny and dry in Mexico City.
The Erling Haaland threat
15:10 , Mike Jones
Erling Haaland became just the eighth European player to score in each of his first four World Cup appearances, and the first since Christian Vieiri for Italy in 1998 with his goals against Brazil.
He has also now scored in each of his last 14 competitive internationals overall, netting 27 goals in this run.
Can England find a way to stop him?
A first for Norway
15:00 , Mike Jones
England have reached the quarter-finals of the last three World Cups but their next opponents, Norway, have never gone this far.
Saturday's game in Miami will be their first quarter-final at a major international competition (World Cup or Euros) in their history.
PM ‘a touch sleep-deprived’ after staying up to watch game with son
14:50 , Mike Jones
Sir Keir Starmer is a “touch sleep-deprived” today after he stayed awake to watch England play with his son.
The prime minister supported the team from upstairs int he Downing Street flat, his official spokesman confirmed.
“He’s a touch sleep-deprived this morning, but incredibly proud of the team, and incredibly proud to be English after that performance,” he said.
“He’s seen England play over many years, but this morning’s victory in the heat of the Azteca Stadium, and at altitude and against a host nation, was up there for him as being one of England’s best ever performances.”
Miami heat 'will feel like 44C' for England v Norway
14:44 , Luke Baker
The extreme conditions keep on coming for England...
According to a video put out by BBC Weather, England’s quarter-final against Norway on Saturday will be their hottest match of the tournament so far.
Even though the match in Miami kicks off at 5pm local time, temperatures will still be about 33C. Add in the humidity and it will feel more like 44C....
This will be the hottest conditions the team has faced so far and it will have an impact on their bodies.
Starmer says red card decisions should ‘remain a matter for Fifa’
14:40 , Mike Jones
Downing Street has insisted decisions on red cards in the World Cup should “remain a matter for Fifa”, amid controversy over Donald Trump’s reported lobbying to get a ban lifted from a US player.
Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said the prime minister “supports the integrity of competition in all sports”, and asked whether he believed the US president’s actions were acceptable said: “It’s a matter for Fifa to respond to.”
He added: “Those decisions are a matter for the football world governing body and should stay that way, and we are clear in that position.”
Did Fifa make the right call on Balogun's ban?
14:30 , Mike Jones
Donald Trump’s seeming intervention over Folarin Balogun’s red card has resulted in Fifa suspended the US forward’s ban.
Is that the right call? Have your say below:
Brazil have fallen from their pedestal and the way back to the elite will be long and painful
14:20 , Richard Jolly
It was the end of the world for Brazil. “That’s football,” shrugged Carlo Ancelotti. Few have the temperament to treat heartbreak with such equanimity. Brazil may have imagined their World Cup would end at the MetLife Stadium and so it did: but in the last 16, not the final, with defeat to Norway, not a win over France or Spain. There will be a conspicuous absence from the quarter-finals: for the first time since 1990, there is no Brazil.
The serial Champions League winner will not be a World Cup winner: not now, anyway, though Ancelotti has a contract that goes through to 2030, when he will be in his seventies, when they will be in their longest drought without winning the World Cup. They had never gone six tournaments without triumphing before. They have now.
Brazil have fallen from their pedestal and the way back will be long and painful
Setting records
14:10 , Mike Jones
Harry Kane has six goals in this tournament for an overall World Cup tally of 14.
This is only the third time an England player has scored six goals in a major tournament – the others are Gary Lineker in the 1986 World Cup and Kane himself at the 2018 World Cup.
What chance do England have of winning the World Cup?
14:00 , Mike Jones
Opta give England a 18.57% chance of winning the World Cup.
That is second only to France (29.68%) and ahead of Spain (13.07%) and defending champions Argentina (12.00%).
England's next opponents are Norway, who have a 6.64% chance.
Bellingham on preparing for Norway
13:50 , Mike Jones
"It is still one game at a time,” said Jude Bellingham about England’s charge towards the final.
“At the end of the day it is just a round of 16 win. In the quarter-final Norway pose a different threat, some that we know really well, some world-class players in there, so we will have to be ready.
"But my god, if you can't enjoy a night like this, just for one night, then I don't know what it's worth."
Was Jarell Quansah's red card the right decision?
13:40 , Mike Jones
Have your say on one of the big refereeing decisions from England’s win in Mexico:
Jude Bellingham’s Mexican masterclass was an all-time England display – the Azteca was a stage made for him
13:30 , Keiran Jackson
As Jordan Pickford punched away the umpteenth Mexican cross and the Australian official blew the final whistle, Jude Bellingham collapsed in victory inside the England penalty area. Battered, bruised, exhausted. Sometimes, the Real Madrid midfielder’s histrionics are a tad over the top. Not this time.
The magnitude of the stage – the World Cup’s most iconic stadium – was inescapable. England were public enemy No 1, facing the co-hosts in their near-impenetrable Azteca fortress. And at an altitude of 7,200ft, Bellingham did not catch his breath: he was simply breathless.
Bellingham’s masterclass was all-time England display – the Azteca was made for him
Which England players could miss the semi-finals, if they get there?
13:21 , Mike Jones
These players must avoid a booking against Norway to be eligible in the semi-finals, if England get that far: Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly, Jordan Henderson.
Jarell Quansah’s red card in the last 16 means he will miss the quarter-final, but he will be back in the semi-finals if England make it to that stage.
How long is the suspension for a red card?
13:16 , Mike Jones
A red card (whether a straight red or the result of two yellows in one game) equals a one game ban.
However, a shocking move saw Fifa suspend the red card of USA striker Florian Balogun – earned against Bosnia in the last 32 – by a year, meaning he will be able to feature in their last-16 tie against Belgium.
Donald Trump then thanked Fifa, sparking theories that the US president’s administration had pushed for the punishment to be overturned.
When do red cards reset?
There is no reset on red cards, so to speak, meaning: if a player is sent off in a semi-final, they will miss the final.
How long is a suspension?
13:10 , Mike Jones
The suspension lasts just one game, so if a player were booked in the last 32 and last 16, they would miss a quarter-final; or if they were booked in the last 32/last 16 and the quarter-finals, they would miss a semi-final.
When do yellow cards reset?
Yellow cards reset after the semi-finals, so a booking in the semi-finals does not rule a player out of the final, regardless of what happened in their previous knockout games.
When do yellow cards reset at the World Cup?
13:01 , Mike Jones
England are in a precarious position when it comes to discipline at the World Cup, with certain players in danger of missing the semi-finals if the Three Lions get past Norway in the last eight.
How many yellow cards equal a suspension?
If a player picks up two yellow cards overall across the last 32, last 16 and quarter-finals, they will be suspended.
'The best away day I've ever had'
12:50 , Mike Jones
Here are some thoughts from Declan Rice after the celebrations at the Azteca Stadium calmed down.
“I think that’s probably the best England result I’ve experienced, probably the best away day I’ve ever had in an England shirt.
“[It was] everything I expected, it was just an incredible night.
“I was surprised, the altitude. There’s been so much talk about that and to be fair yesterday training [there] was a little bit but today I didn’t really feel it as much.
“But we knew they was a good team, I don’t think they’ve lost in 80 games or something so we knew that it was going to be tough.
“We believed that what we had in the room, all 26 players, was enough to beat them and in the end we showed a different side to us that many people probably think we didn’t have.
“Yeah, it’s a beautiful night.”
'What a special night for England'
12:40 , Mike Jones
Here’s some more reaction from Harry Kane who spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live: "What a crazy, crazy game.
"So many things against us as a team coming here, coming to this fortress and having to get through. In the game, the red card, the penalty and so many decisions against us the whole game, but we stuck at it.
"Everyone who fought for every inch of the ball, every inch of the grass.
"This will only give us more belief and more momentum. What a special night for England.”
"Hand of God"
12:39 , Mike Jones
HAND OF GOD!!! pic.twitter.com/B3dP2Uv7k5
— Marc Guehi (@MarcGuehi13) July 6, 2026
Mexican media reacts to devastating World Cup loss to England
12:30 , Alex Pattle
Mexican media has lamented the “most-painful Aztecazo” after its national side were knocked out of the World Cup by England.
England won a thrilling, chaotic game 3-2 on Sunday to reach the quarter-finals, and they did so in Mexico City, where Mexico’s record is formidable.
The result was just the third-ever loss for Mexico at the Azteca in a competitive game, dating back to the stadium’s opening in 1966.
The most painful ‘Aztecazo’: Mexican media reacts to devastating loss to England
England's possible route to World Cup final
12:15 , Mike Jones
Quarter-final
11 July: England vs Norway | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Semi-final
15 July: England vs Argentina (most likely opponents) | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Final
19 July: England vs France (most likely opponents) | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
England's possible route to World Cup final
12:10 , Mike Jones
Round of 32 result
1 July: England 2-1 DR Congo | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Round of 16 result
5 July: England 3-2 Mexico | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
England’s possible route to World Cup final
12:05 , Mike Jones
Group stage results
17 June: England 4-2 Croatia | AT&T Stadium, Arlington
23 June: England 0-0 Ghana | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
27 June: England 2-0 Panama | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
When do England play next at World Cup?
12:00 , Mike Jones
England survived a spirited Mexico fightback to secure a 3-2 win on Sunday and book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals, ending the co-hosts' deepest run at the tournament in 40 years despite playing most of the second half with 10 men at the Azteca Stadium.
England will now face Norway in the last eight in Miami on Saturday 11 July, with kick-off at 5pm local time and 10pm BST.
Jordan Henderson suffers freak injury after falling over advertising hoardings
11:50 , Lawrence Ostlere
Jordan Henderson suffered a freak injury after falling over advertising hoardings while celebrating England’s 3-2 win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
England lead 2-0 in the first half thanks to a double by Jude Bellingham, but Jarell Quansah was sent off in a wild second half as a 10-man rearguard action clung on through an onslaught from the Mexicans.
Jordan Henderson hospitalised after freak injury in England-Mexico celebrations
Kane 'speechless' after World Cup win
11:40 , Mike Jones
Harry Kane gave an entertaining interview with the BBC following England’s win over Mexico.
His voice was breaking and sore as he spoke about the performance saying: "It was a crazy game. We had to fight and we had to find something.
“I've just been singing, I can't really talk. The occasion, the team, everything against us, we found a way.
"Incredible, unbelievable support. [I'm] speechless."
How far will England go?
11:33 , Mike Jones
England have reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup matching their result from Qatar 2022.
Gareth Southgate’s team reached the semi-finals in their best attempt to win the trophy.
How far will England go this time?
'It doesn't get better than that'
11:30 , Mike Jones
Harry Kane has posted on X following England’s victory.
He says: “It doesn’t get much better than that! Guts and courage from every single member of this squad. Proud of this team!”
It doesn’t get much better than that! Guts and courage from every single member of this squad. Proud of this team! ❤️🏴 pic.twitter.com/gH5kLEy7KA
— Harry Kane (@HKane) July 6, 2026
England win World Cup thriller in Mexico to reveal true identity
11:21 , Miguel Delaney at Estadio Azteca
At altitude, England dug so deep. They came out of an absolute battle to seize a quarter-final place against Erling Haaland’s Norway.
An epic game worthy of the Azteca had almost everything, and especially excellence at both ends from Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford, as Thomas Tuchel’s side had to give their all.
A flailing, if spirited Mexico were dispatched 3-2, the tension ratcheting up with all of the refereeing decisions and the ghosts of 1986 swirling around.
England win World Cup thriller in Mexico to reveal true identity
What next for England?
11:10 , Mike Jones
England’s side of the World Cup draw is playing out well for the Three Lions but plenty of tests are still on the horizon.
Next up they must take on Norway in the quarter-finals with the two teams clashing in Miami on Saturday at 10pm BST.
After that England will play one of Argentina, Egypt, Switzerland or Colombia.
England would back themselves to beat all of those teams but in a World Cup nothing is ever simple.
Just see how stubborn DR Congo and Mexico have been over the first two knockout rounds.
Contrasting fortunes
11:00 , Mike Jones
Harry Kane is the first player on record since 1966 to score a penalty and concede a penalty in a World Cup match.
Contrasting fortunes for the England captain.
Alan Shearer praises England players after 'magnificent' night
10:50 , Mike Jones
The ex-England striker and BBC commentator said: “Those players have represented their country in magnificent form tonight.
“Every single player had the right attitude.
“Everything that could have gone against them, everything that was thrown at them, the energy, the altitude, they have got past all of that and they deserved it.
“That is an incredible performance from start to finish.
“When they were under the cosh the manager made the right substitutions. The subs came on and they did their job.
“What an incredible night.”
Schoolchildren erupt in wild celebrations after Harry Kane's dramatic penalty
10:45 , Mike Jones
There’s plenty of joy across the country this morning as England fans wake up to the news that the Three Lions have reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
How did England's players perform?
10:41 , Mike Jones
Have your say by selecting your player ratings here:
Elliot Anderson says late mother would have been proud of England win
10:40 , Mike Jones
England midfielder Elliot Anderson says his late mother would have been proud of the performance and victory the Three Lions earned in Mexico City to send them through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup 2026.
Anderson’s mother, Helen, died in April this year following a battle with cancer and tributes were made to her by the 23-year-old during a Nottingham Forest game shortly after her passing and after he was called up to England’s World Cup squad.
Elliot Anderson says late mother would have been proud of England win
Bellingham on referee decisions
10:30 , Mike Jones
48-year-old Australian official, Alireza Faghani, took charge of England’s fiesty clash with Mexico.
He performed admirably under immense pressure from the home supporters and repeated intervention from VAR.
The major calls were all, mostly, correct even though two big ones went against England.
Jude Bellingham gave his thoughts on the decisions after the game saying: "The refereeing decisions, it is what it is.
“It's the World Cup and they are human too. As easy as it is to say now, they are human, we made a lot more than they did, but no worries we got through."
Pickford on his saves and performance
10:20 , Mike Jones
More reaction from Jordan Pickford who broke down his own performance against Mexico after making crucial saves to keep England in front.
"There were two good ones [saves],” he said. “You talk about being in the right position as a goalkeeper. Making that save, it was a good save, but I made it good because I was in the right position to make that save.
"To come here to the Azteca and put in a performance like that, I am proud.
"It is great. Keep hitting numbers and keep doing stuff. It is a credit to myself. You know what my goal is I am a team player and always have been. I don't care if I let two in. As long as we live tonight. We have got the next chapter."
VIDEO: Fans react to England win over Mexico
10:10 , Kieran Jackson
'One of the greatest results in England's history'
10:00 , Mike Jones
Now that you know the brief outline of the match here’s the commentary from BBC’s Guy Mowbray at the conclusion of the game to give you a true sense of understanding the achievement England have just pulled off:
“It is one of the greatest results in England's World Cup history. Mexico do not lose here. Not on their patch. Not in their temple. They DO tonight.
“A first ever win against a host nation. A first ever win in this arena - 40 years on from the 'Hand of God', the hands of fate have smiled this time.
“Three Lions, 26 heroes.
“Nobody should ever have that much drama at four in the morning.”
England's famous victory
09:50 , Mike Jones
I know a lot of you will be waking up to the news of England’s triumph so I’ll try to summarise it.
A tough, physical encounter against a dominant Mexico team inside a cauldron of history and jeering fans.
Jude Bellingham sends England into the lead and doubles the advantage within 98 seconds of the first goal.
Mexico pull one back before the half-time break.
After the restart Jarell Quansah is shown a red card for a dangerous tackle exposing England’s right back issue once again.
With their backs to the wall, Anthony Gordon wins a penalty that Harry Kane converts to put the Three Lions 3-1 up.
But Kane is second best to a loose ball in England’s own area and hands Mexico a penalty of their own and Raul Jimenez slots it home.
Thomas Tuchel switches it up and plays five at the back as England camp inside their own final third and deflect wave after wave of Mexican attack.
11 minutes of added time are played and the final whistle goes to end a rearguard stand and send England through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup!
'A bucket-list memory'
09:50 , Mike Jones
"That was unreal. You'll never get moments like that again in football,” said Jordan Pickford after the game.
England’s goalkeeper had his best match of the tournament to keep Mexico at bay and will remember this game for a long time.
He added: "Come to the Azteca, it is once in a lifetime. A bucket-list memory. Everyone talking about altitude. It was us against them. We rolled our sleeves up and we got the victory. It wasn't pretty, but it was bloody tough. You got to roll your sleeves up and dig in.
"It was an all-round gutsy togetherness performance. That is what we are. We're England and that's what we do.”
Minister urges sleepy children to go to school after England's late-night World Cup clash
09:40 , Mike Jones
It’ll be a long day for kids who stayed up to watch England and are now at school.
Perhaps even longer for some of the parents who are back in work.
Still the memories of seeing England overcome the Azteca cauldron will live on for a long time.
Unstoppable Erling Haaland drums out Brazil as Norway write World Cup history
09:30 , Richard Jolly
Next up for England are Norway and they’re led by familiar faces from the Premier League including Man City’s Erling Haaland and Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard.
It could be a tough season for them if they knock the Three Lions out of the World Cup in the quarter-finals.
Here’s The Independent’s Richard Jolly on how the World Cup dark horses dumped out the five-time champions:
Unstoppable Erling Haaland drums out Brazil as Norway write new World Cup history
'I was in the moment'
09:20 , Mike Jones
Here’s a bit more reaction from England’s Jordan Pickford who said: "I was in the moment. We all know when we come into pressure situations, I have got that character where I step up and I have got that mindset where I feel unbelievable.
“That's why I put the hard work in on the training ground and away from the training ground.
“Moments like that you have got to enjoy."
Tuchel on Jordan Henderson's injury
09:10 , Kieran Jackson
"Jordan [Henderson] just fell over and injured his wrist. It looks really bad," said Tuchel on BBC One.
"It's a quite serious injury and it doesn't fit to the evening that Jordan is now not with us. The doctor told me he is in hospital."
It’s a nasty one.
England fans celebrate famous win
09:00 , Mike Jones
England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Azteca Stadium will go down as a World Cup classic.
Here’s the reaction from fans at Boxpark Wembley and Bristol Beer Factory to the final whistle:
‘Definitely acceptable’ for children to stay up late to watch game, but got to school this morning, minister says
08:50 , Mike Jones
A government minister has urged parents to make sure their children attend school today, despite saying it is “definitely acceptable” for them to have stayed up to watch last night’s game.
Education minister Olivia Bailey said children might “feel a bit tired” today, but could “celebrate” at school.
“Every day at school matters,” she told Sky News. “And you might feel a bit tired, but that's also important to learn that resilience, because there'll be many more days when you feel a bit tired at work, and you've got to get through.”
Micah Richards on Jude Bellingham:
08:40 , Kieran Jackson
"Bellingham is just an absolute superstar,” Richards told BBC Sport. “He always turns up, always gives 100%.
"He has the confidence that some might say is arrogance but you need that. When he puts on an England shirt he just seems to go up a level."
Crouchy enjoyed England's win
08:39 , Mike Jones
Former England striker Peter Crouch was at the Azteca to watch England’s victory over Mexico and he was caught celebrating with Harry Kane after the match.
Take a look:
Oh mate, Crouch and Kane at full-time is outstanding. What a video. That’s incredible. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/uOuyalT3Oq
— HLTCO (@HLTCO) July 6, 2026
Big game player
08:30 , Mike Jones
Jude Bellingham scored two goals against Mexico and four in total at the 2026 World Cup
Bellingham has now scored 70% of his England goals in major tournaments (7/10).
Former England captain Alan Shearer on England's win:
08:20 , Kieran Jackson
"Those players have represented their country in magnificent form. Every single player had the right attitude.
"Everything that could have gone against them, everything that was thrown at them - the energy, the altitude - they have got past all of that and they deserved it. That is an incredible performance from start to finish."
Prince Harry
08:10 , Kieran Jackson
With another goal and assist today, Harry Kane has now been involved in 81 goals in 63 appearances for club and country in all competitions in 2025-26 (73 goals, 8 assists).
Stunning.
Tuchel and Bellingham celebrate together
07:59 , Kieran Jackson
Loved this moment on the pitch.
Tuchel 🤝 Bellingham
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 6, 2026
Post-match scenes as England celebrate victory over Mexico. pic.twitter.com/U70XVJUa20
Thomas Tuchel on England's triumph:
07:52 , Kieran Jackson
“It never felt like a round of 16, it feels almost like we won a final or something.
“The last moment where the referee takes his whistle to his mouth, you overcame 40-50 minutes with 10 men in the altitude in a home country against a strong Mexico team.
“It’s a moment of joy and it is a heroic performance and result in the end; it ranks the very highest level for me to be part of this, to live this experience the last 2 days, to be in this country, just special moments.
“To overcome it with all the adversity makes it very special.”
Jude Bellingham: 'Best occasion in an England shirt'
07:40 , Kieran Jackson
England’s double goalscorer speaking to ITV post-match:
Jude Bellingham wrote his name in the history books, becoming the first person since Maradona to score twice at the Azteca
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 6, 2026
He chats to Gabriel Clarke about the "pride" he feels to represent England after their emphatic win over Mexico pic.twitter.com/AxtZgqsm2x
Will Jarell Quansah’s World Cup red-card ban for England be suspended like Folarin Balogun’s?
07:30 , Luke Baker
England defender Jarell Quansah was sent off during his side’s dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico in the last 16 of World Cup 2026 and he is set to miss the Three Lions’ crunch quarter-final against Norway on Saturday.
But the question now is whether Quansah could have his ban suspended, enabling him to play against Norway, in the same way that USA star Folarin Balogun did ahead of their last-16 tie with Belgium this evening.
Will Jarell Quansah’s World Cup red-card ban be suspended like Folarin Balogun’s?
WATCH: Harry Kane loses voice in post-match interview
07:15 , Luke Baker
Captain Harry Kane left it all out on the pitch to help England reach the quarter-finals, even - it seems - his voice...
England delight
07:00 , Luke Baker
Unsurprisingly, the Three Lions were ecstatic at full-time!
The scenes from the final whistle 🤩 pic.twitter.com/v8EohTMDUV
— England (@England) July 6, 2026
Why Jarell Quansah was sent off in England’s World Cup clash with Mexico
06:45 , Luke Baker
Jarell Quansah’s red card made things hard for England - here’s why he was sent off:
Why Jarell Quansah was sent off in England’s World Cup clash with Mexico
Pickford: It was 'deeeeeeecent'
06:30 , Alan Smith
"It was unreal,” Jordan Pickford says on BBC. “A lot of emotions, a lot of positives, resilience, character. It wasn't pretty at times. What Jude did was special but they came back in the game. That's what football is about. It showed our togetherness. It was a special night.
On his own performance, he adds: “We've seen the standard I set myself tonight, producing saves in big moments. That's where I aim to be when called upon.
“As Hart would it say it was ‘Deeeeecent.’
Even Donald Trump rates Harry Kane...
06:30 , Luke Baker
Harry Kane is so impressive that even Donald Trump couldn’t help but praise the England skipper.
“Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!” wrote Trump on his Truth Social platform.
Burn's big impact
06:15 , Alan Smith
6 - Despite only coming on in the 75th minute, Dan Burn made the joint most clearances in England's 3-2 win over Mexico (6).
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 6, 2026
It's the most clearances made by a player subbed on that late into a World Cup game on record since 1966.
Butter. pic.twitter.com/5AzoGFX3mL
The deadly Bellingham combination behind England’s historic Mexico win
06:00 , Jack Rathborn
As Jordan Pickford punched away the umpteenth Mexican cross and the Australian official blew the final whistle, Jude Bellingham collapsed in victory inside the England penalty area. Battered, bruised, exhausted. Sometimes, the Real Madrid midfielder’s histrionics are a tad questionable. Not this time.
The magnitude of the stage – the World Cup’s most iconic stadium – was inescapable. England were public enemy No 1, facing the co-hosts in their near-impenetrable fortress. And at an altitude of 7,200m, Bellingham did not catch his breath: he was simply breathless.
Nobody rose to the occasion more than England’s talismanic attacking midfielder on Sunday night. And it wasn’t just his goals, which were brilliant by the way. It was his last-ditch tackles, his phenomenal hold-up play, his output off the ball, his motivational barks at his teammate, his wondrous quick feet.
The deadly Jude Bellingham combination that inspired England’s historic win in Mexico
England win World Cup thriller in Mexico to reveal true identity
05:45 , Jack Rathborn
At altitude, England dug so deep. They came out of an absolute dog fight to seize a quarter-final place against Erling Haaland’s Norway.
And if this last-16 didn’t exactly reach the peaks of quality that the Azteca is so cherished for in past generations - Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford aside - it was at least an epic worthy of the surroundings.
A flailing, if spirited Mexico were dispatched 3-2, but it wasn’t only the ghosts of 1986 that swirled around this iconic venue.
England win World Cup thriller in Mexico to reveal true identity
Thomas Tuchel rants at Mexico v England referee and VAR team
05:26 , Jack Rathborn
"It's just not good enough. The referees are just not good enough, fourth officials are just not good enough,” Tuchel says.
“That's the bottom line. Three people in the VAR from South America in a match like this, if this is correct, VAR overturns... is this a clear and obvious error for the penalty? For sure not.
“They overturned a situation where he doesn't even give a foul. Referees just not good enough, fourth officials just not good enough.”
Quansah joins select group
05:15 , Alan Smith
England players to be sent off at the FIFA World Cup:
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) July 6, 2026
Ray Wilkins vs Morocco (1986)
David Beckham vs Argentina (1998)
Wayne Rooney vs Portugal (2006)
Jarell Quansah vs Mexico (2026) pic.twitter.com/l06Q4S3wET
History for England
05:00 , Alan Smith
1 - 🏴 England are the first team ever to beat 🇲🇽 Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in the FIFA World Cup - they were unbeaten in 10 games there before today.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 6, 2026
Altitude? pic.twitter.com/tSBgzqiHn7
Gordon struck by altitude impact
04:50 , Alan Smith
"It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and a once in a lifetime atmosphere,” Anthony Gordon tells the BBC. “We came through it in the worst way possible. It was difficult. The altitude was difficult. The first 20 minutes, I felt in my chest in training yesterday - it was a bit worrying but it’s what we're paid to do, to handle these situations. We knew it would be tough but big players, big moments.”
“We’ll trust the process. The outcome we can never control.”
Tuchel praises 'proper mentality'
04:40 , Alan Smith
In his flash interview at the end, Tuchel says: "Very proud. We needed everything. It was super difficult. In the moments we thought we catch the momentum, we had setbacks. That is proper mentality.
“This team really mean it. When the going gets tough, they never give up, they never lose belief. It was one step more.
"We need to take this in. This is Azteca, it's Mexico, a crazy game. We left everything out there, every single one of us. We need to take this in, now it's full steam ahead."
The game in data
04:30 , Alan Smith
Mexico 2-3 England
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) July 6, 2026
A sensational game at the Azteca, full of drama.
England inflict just the third defeat on Mexico at the stadium in a competitive game, and they really had to work for it. pic.twitter.com/6NMWKjPa24
Bellingham: The win is bigger than me
04:31 , Alan Smith
"Hard to gather it all together,” he tells the BBC. “10 men, defending how we did in our box, clinical like we were in their box. In years gone by, when I was growing up, we'd have probably crumbled but this team stuck together until the last minute. That's what this team is about."
On the referee he adds: "It is what it is. They are human as well. No worries."
On his goals: "This win is far bigger than me, the supporters who have come here, a difficult journey and their hard-earned money. This is for the whole country.”
On playing Norway, he says: "It's still one game at a time. Norway will pose a completely different threat."
And on Jordan Henderson’s celebration injury: "He's in a bit bother but our medical team have it under control.”
Henderson injured during celebrations
04:21 , Alan Smith
Jordan Henderson has been stretchered off and has received oxygen from medics having fallen over an advertising hoarding during Wonderwall.
"Jordan fell over there, something to do with his arm,” Kane says on BBC. The captain seems calm about it but the pictures look a little more serious.
We await more updates.
Speechless Kane delivers the most iconic of interviews
04:20 , Alan Smith
Kane has completely lost his voice so is squeaking away on BBC.
"It was a crazy game. We had to fight. I can't really talk. All the occasion, the team against us, we found a way,” he says, his voice breaking.
On the penalty concession, he added: "I thought I got the ball first. One of those where the ref gave a lot against us. In the end it don't matter. I'm happy.
And on the England fans, he adds: “Incredible, unbelievable. I can't even talk."
Up next
04:17 , Alan Smith
Norway await in the quarter-final - it will kick-off at the more reasonable time of 10pm BST on Saturday night in Miami.
Haaland v Kane! Odegaard vs his Arsenal clubmates!
Shearer hails 'incredible night'
04:12 , Alan Smith
“Those players have represented their country in magnificent form tonight. Every single player had the right attitude. Everything that could have gone against them, everything that was thrown at them, the energy, the altitude, they have got past all of that and they deserved it. That is an incredible performance from start to finish.
“When they were under the cosh the manager made the right substitutions. The subs came on and they did their job. What an incredible night.”
We deserved it - Rooney
04:10 , Alan Smith
Wayne Rooney on BBC: "One of the greatest results, performance, you saw grit, desire, everything you'd want in an England team.
“Down to 10 men, I was worried we say in too deep, too early. Gordon, the centre-backs, Pickford, fantastic, we deserved it."
04:09 , Alan Smith
Now it’s Wonderwall. And instead of singing on the pitch, the squad is climbing over the advertising hoardings and gets as close as they physically can to the travelling fans, just a group of photographers and a green barrier separating them.
This is such a special moment. A moment to celebrate one of the great England wins.
04:08 , Alan Smith
Tuchel is beaming as he embraces his players. Baddiel and Skinner blares out and there are tears in the eyes of Mexican players as their dream ends.
04:06 , Alan Smith
The players look exhausted. The celebrations are smiles and hugs rather than sprints and jumps. But the feeling will set in soon that England are into the quarter-finals and will face Norway next weekend. Or rather this weekend since it’s now past 4am Monday morning.
FULL-TIME! ENGLAND WIN!
04:05 , Alan Smith
It’s over. What a night, what a performance, what a rollercoaster.
Mexico 2-3 England
04:04 , Alan Smith
103’ - Pickford punches clear and England have done it!
Mexico 2-3 England
04:04 , Alan Smith
102’ - Stones takes it off Jimenez’s toes from a yard out! Mexico corner, into added time after added time. The keeper is up for the corner. Burn makes two heroic blocks. It’s another corner. The referee will blow once England clear. Can they clear?
Mexico 2-3 England
04:03 , Alan Smith
101’ - Alvarado’s deep cross is nodded back into the danger zone by Gimenez before being hooked away. Mexico throw it forward again, Gordon blocks. Mexico come again.
Mexico 2-3 England
04:02 , Alan Smith
101’ - Is this the final minute?
Mexico 2-3 England
04:02 , Alan Smith
100’ - The corner is deflected, by Martinez and then Spence, before all in white breathe a sigh of relief when Pickford collects.
Mexico 2-3 England
04:01 , Alan Smith
99’ - Spence slides in to make a vital interception. But Mexico have a corner. How are you nerves?
Mexico 2-3 England
04:01 , Alan Smith
98’ - Bellingham advances down the right, heads towards the corner and earns himself a throw in. Vasquez fumes at the ref and is booked. Jordan Henderson, an unused sub, is also shown a yellow card for presumably doing something to delay the game.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
