Five goals, one red card: England v Mexico round of 16 at Estadio Azteca breaks TV records

England’s Jude Bellingham (10) celebrates with his teammates after scoring his second goal during the World Cup Round of 16 match between Mexico and England in Mexico City, Sunday, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup not only secured their place in the quarter-finals but also rewrote television history across multiple countries. The blockbuster clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca became the most-watched FIFA World Cup match of the 21st century in Mexico, while also setting new attendance records in the United States.The high-octane encounter had everything a classic World Cup requires, five goals, a red card, relentless drama and a nail-biting finish as Harry Kane’s side held on despite playing with 10 men for the final 30 minutes.

England survived the struggle in late Mexico

England reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling round of 16 clash at the Estadio Azteca. Jude Bellingham scored twice in quick succession before Julián Quiñones pulled one back for Mexico before half-time. England were reduced to 10 men after Jarell Quansah’s red card early in the second half, but Harry Kane converted the penalty to make it 3-1. Raúl Jiménez also scored from the spot to set up a nervy finish, but the Three Lions held on to book a quarter-final match against Norway on 11 July.

The match breaks television records

The extraordinary drama reached unprecedented television audiences across North America and Europe.Official FIFA handle Media X wrote: “Records broken: Mexico’s dramatic clash with England became the country’s most-watched World Cup match of the 21st century with an average audience of 36 million on Televisa (20.7 million) and Azteca (15.3 million). Round of 16 viewership broken for fourth time: Figures for this tournament have been broken for fourth time. Note: consolidated figures will be published after tournament.

England’s next challenge

Norway and England lock horns in a historic 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions are riding high after a legendary 10-man 3-2 win against co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca. Meanwhile, Ståle Solbakken’s Norwegian side enter uncharted territory as they battle for their first ever World Cup quarter-final after Erling Haaland sensationally knocked Brazil out. The winner of this match advances to the semi-finals against Argentina or Switzerland. The match starts on Saturday 11 July 2026 at 17:00 local time (Sunday 12 July at 2:30 IST).