World Cup: History of the England scenario, become the first team to beat Mexico at the Estadio Azteca

England’s Harry Kane (9) reacts after scoring his team’s third goal against Mexico. (AP photo) England etched their names into World Cup folklore on Sunday night, becoming the first team ever to beat Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in a World Cup match when they survived a dramatic second-half onslaught to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory in the round of 16.The famous triumph ended Mexico’s unbeaten World Cup record at the iconic stadium, where El Tri went 10 games unbeaten, including three wins during the 2026 tournament. It also sent England to their 11th FIFA World Cup quarter-final, with only Brazil (15) and Germany (14) reaching the last eight more often.The match also added another chapter to the legendary venue’s history, becoming the 24th FIFA World Cup match played at the Estadio Azteca, more than any other stadium in the competition’s history.

Bellingham’s double silences Azteca

In front of more than 80,000 passionate home fans, Jude Bellingham produced one of the best performances of his international career, scoring twice in just 98 seconds to stun the hosts.The midfielder opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a powerful header before doubling England’s advantage two minutes later after combining superbly with captain Harry Kane.Mexico responded before half-time when Julián Quiñones pulled one back in the 42nd minute to ensure the game remained level going into the break.The drama intensified shortly after the restart when England defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Jesús Gallardo. The appeal made Quansah only the fourth England player to be sent off at the FIFA World Cup, and the first since Wayne Rooney in 2006.With England reduced to 10 men, head coach Thomas Tuchel responded by sacrificing Bukayo Saka for defender John Stones to strengthen the back line.

Kane adds as England resist a late siege

Despite their numerical disadvantage, England struck for the decisive third goal when Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was brought down by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel.Kane’s goal was his sixth of the tournament and his 14th overall at the FIFA World Cup, moving him level with German legend Gerd Müller for fifth in the competition’s all-time scoring. It also kept him within touching distance of Golden Boot leaders Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, who each have seven goals.Kane later conceded a penalty to become the first player since at least 1966 to score and give away a spot-kick in the same World Cup match. Raúl Jiménez converted to make it 3-2 and set up a frantic finish.Mexico pushed forward relentlessly in the final 21 minutes and 11 minutes of stoppage time, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and England’s resolute defense held on.The victory sealed England’s place in a third consecutive World Cup quarter-final, where they will face Norway and star striker Erling Haaland for a place in the last four at the Miami Gardens.For Mexico, the defeat extended a painful trend. El Tri have now failed to progress past the round of 16 at every World Cup since their home tournament in 1986.