Five goals, one red card: England vs Mexico in last 16 at Estadio Azteca breaks TV record | Football News

England’s Jude Bellingham (10) celebrates with teammates after scoring his second goal during the World Cup round of 16 match between Mexico and England on Sunday, July 5, 2026 in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

In the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, England defeated Mexico dramatically 3-2, not only advancing to the quarter-finals, but also rewriting the television history of many countries. The blockbuster match at the iconic Estadio Azteca became the most-watched game of the FIFA World Cup 21 in Mexico and also set a new record for viewers in the United States.The fiery clash had everything a World Cup classic demands: five goals, a red card, relentless drama and a gripping finale as Harry Kane’s side held on despite playing the final 30 minutes with 10 men.

England survive late Mexico counterattack

England have reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling last-16 tie at the Estadio Azteca. Jude Bellingham scored twice in quick succession and Julian Quinones pulled one back for Mexico before half-time. At the beginning of the second half, Jarell Quansah was sent off and England were reduced to 10 men, but Harry Kane took a penalty kick to make it 3-1. Raúl Jiménez also scored from the penalty spot to cap off a nerve-wracking encounter, but the Three Lions held on until the quarter-finals against Norway on 11 July.

Race breaks TV record

This extraordinary drama attracted unprecedented television audiences in North America and Europe.The official FIFA Media

England’s next challenge

Norway and England will face off in a historic 2026 World Cup quarter-final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions are currently at the peak of their powers after recording a legendary 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico in a 10-man game at the Azteca. Solbakken’s underdogs Norway, meanwhile, enter uncharted territory, reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time after Haaland’s late brace stunned Brazil. The winner of this match will advance to the semi-finals against Argentina or Switzerland. The competition will begin at 5:00 pm local time on Saturday, July 11, 2026 (2:30 am IST on Sunday, July 12).