Azteca Classic 10-Man England Edge Co-Hosts Mexico 3-2 in Breathless Last-16 Thriller
The 10-man England national football team secured a historic 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in a thrilling Round of 16 match at the Estadio Azteca during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Midfielder Jude Bellingham ignited the game with a stunning brace scored within just 98 seconds, putting England up 2-0 by the 38th minute. Although Mexico fought back before the break with a goal from Julián Quiñones, the dynamics shifted severely in the second half when England defender Jarell Quansah received a straight red card following a VAR review.
Despite playing down a man for the final 35 minutes, Thomas Tuchel’s side showed immense composure on the pitch. Captain Harry Kane converted a clinical penalty to hand England a two-goal cushion, which proved vital after Mexico’s Raúl Jiménez successfully struck a penalty of his own in the 69th minute. Withstanding a ferocious late defensive onslaught from the home side, the Three Lions held firm to become the first team to ever defeat Mexico at the Azteca in World Cup history, punching their ticket to a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash against Norway.
