MEXICO CITY/NEW JERSEY, JUL 6 (IANS): England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals after a dramatic 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City on July 6. The match, delayed by an hour due to adverse weather, turned into a pulsating contest filled with goals, penalties, and a red card, ultimately producing one of the tournament’s most memorable encounters.
Jude Bellingham was the star of the night, scoring twice in the space of 98 seconds to give England a commanding early lead. His first came from a Bukayo Saka cross, which he headed home, and moments later he doubled the advantage after Harry Kane set him up following a Mexican turnover. Mexico responded quickly through Julian Quinones, who smashed a powerful shot past Jordan Pickford to make it 2-1.
The hosts pressed hard before halftime, with Raul Jimenez forcing Pickford into a spectacular save to keep England ahead. After the break, Nico O’Reilly struck the post, but England’s momentum was checked when Jarell Quansah was sent off for a foul on Jesus Gallardo, leaving the Three Lions to defend with ten men for over 40 minutes.
Despite the setback, England extended their lead. Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel fouled Anthony Gordon in the box, and Kane converted the resulting penalty for his sixth goal of the tournament. However, Kane was soon penalized himself after a VAR review confirmed his foul on Brian Gutierrez. Jimenez stepped up and converted from the spot to bring Mexico back to 3-2.
The final stages saw Mexico dominate possession and pile on pressure, but England’s defense held firm. The victory ended Mexico’s unbeaten record at the Mexico City Stadium and marked England’s first match at the venue in 40 years, since their 1986 quarterfinal defeat to Argentina.
With this result, England reached the last eight for the third consecutive World Cup, repeating a feat last achieved between 1962 and 1970. They now prepare for a quarterfinal clash against Norway in Miami on July 11.
Haaland scores brace as Norway stun Brazil for maiden QF
In another historic result, Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in New Jersey to reach their first-ever FIFA World Cup quarterfinal. Erling Haaland was the hero, scoring twice late in the game to secure the nation’s greatest footballing triumph.
Brazil, who had not been eliminated in the round of 16 since 1990, started strongly. Patrick Berg appeared to give Norway an early lead, but his goal was ruled out for offside. Soon after, Brazil were awarded a penalty following a VAR check, but Orjan Nyland produced a brilliant save to deny them.
Norway grew in confidence and struck decisively in the closing minutes. Andreas Schjelderup provided the assist for Haaland’s first, a powerful header, before the striker added a second from 16 metres to put his side 2-0 up. Brazil pulled one back through Neymar’s penalty in the tenth minute of stoppage time, but it proved only a consolation.
Haaland’s brace took his tally to seven goals in the tournament, drawing him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race. His overall record now stands at 62 goals in 54 appearances for Norway, equalling Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Scandinavian scoring record, though achieved in far fewer matches. Haaland has also scored in each of his last 14 competitive games for Norway, underlining his extraordinary consistency.
For Brazil, the defeat marked their earliest World Cup exit in 36 years, while Norway celebrated progression to the last eight for the first time. They now stand just two matches away from potentially reaching the final, with their next challenge coming against England.
Match Schedules
Argentina Vs Egypt
9:30 pm (July 7)
Switzerland Vs Colombia
1:30 am (July 8)