06/07/2026 03:14 - Deportes
The clash between Mexico and England in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup promised emotions and did not disappoint. It was a thrilling 3-2 for the Europeans in a match that had it all: from a postponement due to a lightning storm to a flurry of goals, controversies, and an uncertain result until the very last minute.
When the match was an hour away from starting, originally scheduled for 9:00 PM on July 5, 2026, the referee decided to postpone it temporarily due to Mexico's strict regulations regarding weather phenomena. Given the lightning storm warnings in Mexico City, FIFA momentarily suspended activities, delaying the start to 10:00 PM.
It is important to note that, unlike venues in the United States, Mexican territory does not follow the weather delay protocol (which forces matches to stop for 30 minutes if there is electrical activity within a 13-kilometer radius). According to Bolavip, FIFA evaluated the situation every 15 minutes to ensure the pitch was in optimal conditions.
The first half seemed to be fading away in a fast-paced deadlock, but a frantic flurry of goals arrived. At the 36th minute, a run by Bukayo Saka ended with a cross that Jude Bellingham took advantage of to make it 1-0. Just two minutes later, at 38', Harry Kane assisted Bellingham again to decree the 2-0.
The Azteca Stadium fell silent, but the Tri (Mexico's national team) reacted. At 42 minutes, Julián Quiñones connected a furious volley for the discount to make it 2-1. To add more excitement before halftime, England was reduced to ten men after the dismissal of Jarell Quansah following a hard foul on Jesús Gallardo, reviewed by the VAR.
Just as Mexico tried to take advantage of the extra man, England found the third. A penalty converted by Harry Kane in the 58th minute after a foul by Raúl Rangel on Anthony Gordon made it 3-1. However, Kane was involved in another foul inside his own box which, after a VAR review, Raúl Jiménez transformed into a penalty for the 3-2.
England managed to hold on with one less player until the 12th minute of stoppage time and secured a massive victory. Amid the celebrations, midfielder Jordan Henderson fell badly after jumping over one of the advertising boards and had to be taken off on a stretcher due to a heavy blow to his arm, as detailed by TyC Sports.
The team led by Thomas Tuchel will face Norway in the quarterfinals. The Nordic side comes from delivering the big upset of the day by eliminating Brazil 2-1 with two goals from Erling Haaland. On this same side of the bracket, the Argentina national team advances, facing Egypt on Tuesday in search of their own spot in the quarterfinals.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
