By FRANCIS JOSEPH
Mexico became the second of the three co-hosts to be dumped out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.
Playing before more than 80,000 cheering fans at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico on Sunday night, the Mexicans were tamed by the England Lions 3-2. That means that England will play Norway in the quarter-finals on July 11 in Miami.
It was only the third time that Mexico has lost at the Azteca. In June 2001, Costa Rica defeated Mexico 2-1. The other time was in September 2013 when Mexico lost to Honduras 2-1. Mexico had previously lost just two of their 89 matches played at this venue.
On October 14, 2009, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago played to a 2-2 draw at the Azteca in the World Cup Concacaf Qualifying fourth round match. The other co-host to be dumped was Canada. The third co-host, United States, is still standing for the moment.
As far as the 5,000 English fans at the Azteca were concerned, England played their best match of the tournament. In fact, that match could be described as the best so far for 2026.
England entered the match knowing they were up against the fanatic Mexican fans. But Jude Bellingham silenced them very early. He scored twice in the space of 98 seconds to put England two up.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was in great form, twice saving brilliantly from Raul Jimenez, but he was powerless to stop Mexican top scorer, Julian Quinones, pulling a goal back for Mexico with a powerful finish three minutes before the half time break.
Mexico were being driven forward by a constant cacophony of sound, which increased when English player Jarell Quansah was sent off for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo, but England restored their two-goal lead when Harry Kane scored from the spot after Anthony Gordon was brought down by Mexican keeper Raul Rangel.
Just when England thought they had restored order, Kane was the culprit when he kicked Brian Gutierrez’s foot in the area, Jimenez scoring the resulting spot-kick.
With the score 3-2 in England favour, it was all out for both teams. Do or die! England were against the odds, and Mexico had to please their fans.
After the 90 minutes, there were 11 minutes added on. England defended with all their might. Mexican finishing was poor and with it came the tears at the end. The Mexican fans were left devastated.
They were expected a quarter final berth which was not to be. That means all the Concacaf teams are gone.
