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Qatar News Agency reported that England secured a 3-2 win over Mexico in the Round of 16 at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Sunday. Jude Bellingham scored twice for the Three Lions in the first half with goals in the 36th and 38th minutes. Julian Quinones pulled one back for Mexico before halftime to make the score 2-1.
The QNA dispatch noted that defender Jarell Quansah received a red card in the 53rd minute leaving England with 10 players for the final 37 minutes of the match. Harry Kane converted a penalty seven minutes later to restore England’s two-goal advantage. Raul Jimenez scored a late penalty for Mexico but the hosts could not find an equalizer as England held on for the victory.
According to a separate Qatar News Agency report Norway advanced to the quarterfinals earlier on Sunday by defeating Brazil 2-1. The result marked the first time Norway has reached the last eight in World Cup history after previous appearances in 1938 1994 and 1998 where its best finish was the round of 16 in 1998. ESPN data indicates that Erling Haaland played a key role in Norway’s campaign including goals that helped secure the upset over the five-time champions.
FIFA publications describe the 2026 tournament as the first to feature 48 teams and the first co-hosted by three nations Canada Mexico and the United States across 16 host cities. The Round of 16 match at Azteca Stadium carried extra historical weight for England which suffered a controversial quarterfinal exit to Mexico at the same venue during the 1986 World Cup due to Diego Maradona’s handball goal. National Football Teams records show England had previously beaten Mexico 2-0 in the 1966 group stage on home soil.
ESPN reported that the result represented only Mexico’s third home defeat in 90 matches and highlighted that England achieved the win while playing shorthanded for more than half an hour. The outlet added that Kane became the first player since 1966 to both score and concede a penalty in the same World Cup match after a VAR review led to Mexico’s spot kick. Mexico’s wait for a first quarterfinal appearance since 1986 continues following the loss.
Qatar News Agency stated that England will now face Norway next Sunday in the quarterfinals with the winner advancing to the semifinals. The match is scheduled for Miami as part of the expanded knockout stage. FIFA figures place the co-hosted tournament’s structure as designed to accommodate the increased number of teams through an initial group phase followed by progressive elimination rounds.
