World Cup 2026: England edge Mexico, Norway beat Brazil

England survived a punishing night at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca to beat Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic last-16 clash that swung wildly in momentum and controversy.

Jude Bellingham put the Three Lions in control with two goals in 98 seconds, giving them a 2-0 lead after 38 minutes and appearing to set them on course for the quarter-finals.

Mexico responded before halftime through Julián Quiñones, and England were reduced to 10 men on 54 minutes when Jarell Quansah was sent off after a VAR review.

Even with a numerical disadvantage, England extended their lead when Harry Kane converted a penalty to make it 3-1.

Mexico kept pushing and were handed another lifeline after a disputed VAR intervention led to a penalty, which Raúl Jiménez calmly converted to cut the deficit to 3-2.

With pressure mounting, England’s tiring side held firm under relentless Mexican attacks to secure a famous victory.

“It was a crazy game. We had the occasion, everything against us, but we found a way,” captain Kane said.

England will now meet Norway in a quarter-final in Miami next Saturday after the Scandinavians claimed a 2-1 win over Brazil in another tense knockout tie earlier on Sunday.

Erling Haaland struck twice in the final 11 minutes to seal a remarkable victory for Norway and end Brazil’s hopes of a sixth world title.

Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland was outstanding, including a first-half penalty save from Bruno Guimarães, before Haaland delivered the decisive blows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

“I dreamed of playing in the World Cup with Norway and taking them to the World Cup, but I never expected to win against Brazil, let’s be honest,” Haaland said. “I thought it was not possible to do some things, but I guess I’m wrong.”

Haaland’s brace moved him level with Lionel Messi on seven tournament goals.

For Brazil, who brought in Carlo Ancelotti in an effort to end a 24-year wait for World Cup glory, the defeat marked the sixth straight tournament in which they have been eliminated by European opposition.