FIFA World Cup 2026: "Best night of my England career," says Jude Bellingham after quarterfinal berth
Mexico City, July 6
England star Jude Bellingham described his side's thrilling 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 as the best night of his England career after the Three Lions booked their place in the quarterfinals, according to The Athletic.
England overcame a hostile atmosphere at the Azteca Stadium and played much of the second half with 10 men following Jarell Quansah's red card before sealing a thrilling victory to set up a last-eight clash with Norway.
Reflecting on the result, Bellingham said it ranked among England's greatest victories in recent memory.
"It's probably one of the biggest England wins in a while, probably the biggest one I can remember as a fan or player. The best night of my England career, our England career, probably. Just unbelievable. I can't put it into words right now," Bellingham said, as quoted by The Athletic.
The star footballer acknowledged the chaotic nature of the contest and praised Mexico for pushing England throughout the match.
"It's tough to gather everything together, the goals, the penalty against, the penalty for, the red card. It was a chaotic game but credit to Mexico, they were a different class. We never underestimated them for one minute and they were exactly as good as we thought they would be. But this team showed character tonight, and I'm proud," he added.
According to FIFA, Bellingham, aged 23 years and six days, became the youngest player to reach 10 FIFA World Cup appearances, eclipsing the previous record set by Argentina's Mario Kempes, who was 23 years and 334 days when he faced Poland in 1978. The England midfielder was also named Player of the Match.
Thomas Tuchel's side completed the victory despite playing nearly the entire second half with 10 men after Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute. Spurred on by a passionate home crowd, Mexico launched a determined comeback but fell short in their bid to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1986.
Mexico enjoyed the better of the early possession before England struck twice in rapid succession through Bellingham. The midfielder first nodded home Bukayo Saka's cross before finishing clinically from a Harry Kane assist after Mexico surrendered possession moments later.
The hosts pulled a goal back before the interval through Julian Quinones, while Jordan Pickford produced an outstanding save to deny Raul Jimenez an equaliser before halftime.
England's challenge became tougher early in the second half when Quansah received a straight red card for a challenge on Jesus Gallardo after a VAR review. Soon after, Anthony Gordon was fouled inside the penalty area by Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel, and Kane calmly converted the resulting spot-kick to restore England's two-goal advantage.
Mexico were later awarded a penalty after a VAR review found Kane had fouled Brian Gutierrez inside the box. Jimenez converted from the spot to reduce the deficit to 3-2 and set up a tense finale.
Despite sustained late pressure from the hosts, England held firm to secure victory and a quarter-final meeting with Norway in Miami on July 11.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Heartbreaking for Mexico though! They pushed England to the limit in front of that incredible Azteca crowd. As an Indian, I know how it feels to have your team fight so hard and fall just short. Mexico deserved more but football can be cruel sometimes. 😔
Honestly, I'm not a big England fan but Bellingham's humility in praising Mexico shows real sportsmanship. "They were exactly as good as we thought they would be" - that's classy. Wish more footballers had this attitude. Also, Norway next will be interesting! 🏴
That red card was harsh in my opinion. VAR again making the game about technicalities rather than the spirit of the sport. England adapted well though, and Kane's penalty was ice cold under pressure. Wish our Indian Super League had this level of drama and quality!
The Azteca atmosphere must have been insane! 10 men, hostile crowd, and they still won. That's what champions are made of. Bellingham is an absolute superstar - the way he controlled the game at just 23. Makes me hopeful for the future of football globally, even in India where we're slowly growing.
England vs Norway in the quarterfinals will be a cracker! But I have to say, Mexico's penalty call was correct - Kane clearly fouled Gutierrez. Good refereeing overall despite the controversy. As a neutral Indian fan, this World Cup keeps delivering amazing matches. 🇮🇳