England booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in a thrilling Round of 16 clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The match, which became one of the most searched football topics in Zambia, lived up to global expectations as England survived intense pressure, a hostile home crowd, and a second-half red card to eliminate Mexico from the tournament.
Jude Bellingham was the standout performer for England, scoring twice before Harry Kane added a crucial penalty. Mexico responded through Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, but England held on despite playing with ten men after defender Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute.
The game was also delayed by thunderstorms before kickoff, adding to the tension around one of the tournament’s most anticipated knockout fixtures.
For Mexico, the defeat ended a passionate World Cup run on home soil. Reports from Mexico described emotional scenes at the Azteca, where more than 80,000 supporters had hoped to see their team reach the quarter-finals.
England now advance to face Norway in the quarter-finals after Norway stunned Brazil in their Round of 16 encounter.
The match also explains why “Mexico vs England” trended on Google Search in Zambia. World Cup knockout fixtures involving major football nations often attract strong interest among Zambian football fans, especially when the match delivers goals, controversy, and high drama.
TGN Zambia will continue tracking major World Cup stories, results, and fixtures as the tournament progresses.
