If you're still asking did Mexico win today? — the answer is no. Despite a spirited fightback, El Tri's World Cup run is officially over.
England Mexico: How the Match Unfolded
The England Mexico World Cup clash lived up to every bit of its hype. Jude Bellingham set the tone early, scoring two goals in a blistering 90-second span to put England up 2-0 before Mexico could even catch its breath. Bellingham's brace came off a lightning counterattack, with Declan Rice driving the ball 60 yards upfield before finding Bukayo Saka, who whipped in a cross for Bellingham to head home.
Mexico answered quickly. Julián Quiñones capitalized on a defensive mistake to pull one back before halftime, cutting the score to 2-1 and giving the Azteca Stadium crowd something to roar about heading into the break.
The match turned dramatic in the second half when Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge — leaving England to defend with 10 men for more than 36 minutes plus stoppage time. That's where Harry Kane stepped up. After Anthony Gordon was fouled in the box, Kane converted the penalty to restore England's two-goal cushion at 3-1.
Mexico wasn't done. Kane was penalized on the other end after a VAR review, and Raúl Jiménez calmly slotted home the resulting penalty to make it 3-2, setting up a nerve-shredding final half hour.
Jordan Pickford and England's Backs-to-the-Wall Defense
With a man disadvantage and Mexico throwing everything forward, Jordan Pickford was outstanding between the posts. Pickford made a string of crucial saves, including a spectacular tip over the bar to deny a flying header from Jiménez, and equaled Peter Shilton's England record of 17 World Cup appearances in the process. Substitutes John Stones and Djed Spence also stepped up defensively, helping England survive wave after wave of Mexican pressure to hold on for the 3-2 win.
Anthony Gordon's Impact
While Bellingham and Kane grabbed the headlines, Anthony Gordon played a key role in the win, drawing the foul that led to Kane's opening penalty. Gordon started in place of Marcus Rashford and gave England's attack extra pace and directness against a well-organized Mexico backline.
Is Mexico Out of the World Cup?
Yes — Mexico is eliminated from the World Cup after this Round of 16 defeat. It's a heartbreaking result for the co-host nation, which had been undefeated and hadn't conceded a goal all tournament heading into the match. So to directly answer the common searches:
- Is Mexico still in the World Cup? No, Mexico has been eliminated.
- Is Mexico eliminated from the World Cup? Yes, following the 3-2 loss to England.
- Has Mexico ever won a World Cup? No — despite hosting the tournament multiple times (1970, 1986, and now 2026), Mexico has never won the FIFA World Cup. Their best finishes historically have been quarterfinal appearances, most recently in 1986.
For Mexico's players — including standout performer Julián Quiñones, who finished the tournament with three goals and an assist — it's a tough way to see a promising run end on home soil.
Bellingham England: A Star Turn on the Big Stage
This performance adds to Jude Bellingham's growing legend in an England shirt. The Real Madrid midfielder called the win over Mexico one of the proudest moments of his international career. His quickfire double at the Azteca — one of the most hostile atmospheres in world football — silenced a stadium of nearly 90,000 fans and proved once again why Bellingham is central to England's World Cup ambitions.
Who Won the Last World Cup?
For context, Argentina won the last World Cup, lifting the trophy at Qatar 2022 behind a legendary performance from Lionel Messi. England will be hoping this 2026 run — their third straight World Cup reaching at least the quarterfinals — ends with a different nation's name on the trophy this time.
Who Won the Soccer Game Today? A Big Day of World Cup Action
England vs. Mexico wasn't the only quarterfinal spot decided today. Norway, led by Erling Haaland, stunned five-time champions Brazil earlier in the day to also advance. That sets up an England vs. Norway quarterfinal showdown in Miami on Saturday — a mouthwatering clash between Bellingham and Kane's England and Haaland's in-form Norwegian side.
What's Next for England?
Thomas Tuchel's side now turns its attention to Norway, having banished the ghosts of their infamous 1986 defeat at this very stadium (yes, that Maradona "Hand of God" game). England have now reached the quarterfinal stage in three consecutive World Cups — a feat they're aiming to build on as they push for their first title since 1966.
With Harry Kane in red-hot form, Jude Bellingham delivering match-winning moments, Jordan Pickford marshaling the defense, and Anthony Gordon adding attacking spark, England looks like a team capable of going all the way. The quarterfinal against Norway promises to be one of the biggest tests yet.
Stay tuned for our full preview of England vs. Norway ahead of Saturday's quarterfinal clash.
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