Beat Mexico, England Advances to 2026 World Cup Quarterfinals

Playing the English squad to the end, they managed to defeat the hosts Mexico 3-2 and qualified for the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals. (Instagram @fifaworldcup)

JAKARTA - A five-goal drama colored the English national team's victory over the hosts Mexico 3-2 in the 16th round of the 2026 World Cup at the Estadio Banorte, Mexico City, Monday WIB.

Starting the first half, Mexico immediately tried to press high into the English defense.

In the third minute, Raul Jimenez shot a kick that could still be blocked by Konsa.

Twelve minutes later, Raul Jimenez was back on the attack. But Jimenez's header from inside the box was still easily secured by Jordan Pickford.

England only got a golden opportunity in the 26th minute. Anthony Gordon's kick can still be easily anticipated by Rangel.

In the 36th minute, Bukayo Saka who was in the right sector sent an accurate pass which was immediately greeted by Jude Bellingham's header. Rangel who was in the wrong position failed to anticipate the ball. England won 1-0.

Jude Bellingham's performance when defeating Mexico was extraordinary, two goals he scored in this important match. (Instagram @fifaworldcup)

Two minutes later, through a slick combination of Harry Kane, Bellingham again sent the ball into the Mexican goal. England doubled their lead to 2-0.

In the 42nd minute, Mexico executed a free kick scheme. Quinones who got the ball wildly fired a hard right foot to be able to change the position to 1-2.

Until halftime, the score of 2-1 for the English national team's advantage remained.

In the second half, the tension of the game increased when both teams tried to play openly and rely on attacks from the wings.

England in the 53rd minute had to play with ten players after Jarrel Quansah made a hard foul to Gallardo.

Taking advantage of the superiority of the number of players, Mexico immediately played all-out to attack the English defense.

In the 58th minute, Gordon who made a move inside the penalty box had to be fouled. Kane who advanced as the executioner at the white spot immediately fired a hard shot to the left side of the goal that failed to reach Rangel. England led 3-1.

Ten minutes later, the referee pointed to the white spot after Marc Guehi committed a foul. Jimenez, who stepped up as the kicker, successfully converted the goal to narrow the score to 2-3.

In the 80th minute, Edson Alvarez got a golden opportunity but his header still went wide of Pickford's goal.

Eight minutes later, Fidalgo who got space inside the penalty box fired a hard shot that could be stopped by Pickford.

England practically played defensively and waited for the opportunity to counterattack.

Until the final whistle blew, England was able to maintain a 3-2 lead over the hosts Mexico.

With this result, as reported by Antara, Thomas Tuchel's team stepped into the quarter-finals and met Norway who previously tamed Brazil 2-1 in the last 16.

The line-up:

Mexico (4-2-3-1): Raul Rangel (PG); Jesus Gallardo, Johan Vasquez, Cesar Montes, Jorge Sanchez; Luis Romo, Erik Lira; Gilberto Mora, Roberto Alvarado, Julian Quinones; Raul Jimenez.

England (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford (PG); Jarol Quansah, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Relly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.