Bellingham the hero as England overcome Mexico in Azteca cauldron
In a match that will be etched into World Cup history, England produced a performance of immense grit and quality to defeat Mexico 3-2 in the Azteca Stadium, booking a quarter-final date with Norway. The night belonged to Jude Bellingham, who scored twice in 98 seconds to turn the tie on its head after an early Mexico barrage.
The hosts, roared on by a deafening crowd, took the lead through a stunning strike from Santiago Giménez inside 15 minutes. England, visibly shaken, struggled to find rhythm before Bellingham intervened. First, a clever run and finish from a tight angle, then a thumping header from a Bukayo Saka cross, silenced the Azteca and gave Thomas Tuchel’s side a halftime lead. Mexico equalised after the break, but a scramble in the box saw Jarrod Bowen prod home a winner, setting up a clash with a Norway side spearheaded by Erling Haaland.
The win continues England’s quest for a first World Cup since 1966, but Norway pose a formidable obstacle. The quarter-final will be played on July 10 at NRG Stadium in Houston. Bellingham’s heroics drew comparisons to Diego Maradona; he became the first player to score two World Cup goals at the Azteca in 40 years since the Argentine legend.
“You can never question Jude’s mentality again. That was a performance for the ages,” said a visibly emotional Tuchel post-match, referencing the debates over Bellingham’s place before the tournament.
Controversy strikes as FIFA clears Balogun after Trump lobbying
While the football thrilled, the tournament was rocked by an integrity scandal as USA striker Folarin Balogun had his one-match suspension overturned following reported pressure from the White House. Balogun was sent off for a high tackle in the last-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina and was due to miss the last-16 tie against Belgium. However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the ban would be suspended for a probationary period, freeing him to play.
The Guardian has learned that former U. S. President Donald Trump made three calls to FIFA, starting from Wednesday, urging president Gianni Infantino to review the decision. The Belgian FA expressed “astonishment,” and UEFA issued a scathing statement, saying FIFA had “crossed a red line” and put “the integrity of the game at stake.”
“Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period the match suspension of the player Balogun is a profoundly wrong call. The foundation of football is lost if political interference is allowed to override disciplinary decisions,” UEFA said.
The incident has cast a shadow over the tournament, with calls for transparency growing. FIFA has yet to comment further.
Quick Facts
England vs Mexico: Final score 3-2 at Estadio Azteca
Jude Bellingham: 2 goals in 98 seconds – first player to do so at the Azteca since Diego Maradona in 1986
Up next: England vs Norway – World Cup quarter-final, July 10, NRG Stadium, Houston
Balogun controversy: Red card overturned after Trump calls; UEFA calls decision “crossed a red line”
Other news: Oliver Glasner appointed Nottingham Forest head coach; Tottenham sign Sandro Tonali for £100m
Key Takeaways
- Jude Bellingham’s legend grows: His two-goal salvo and all-action display against Mexico silenced any remaining doubters about his commitment and elevated his status as England’s talisman.
- Political interference threatens World Cup integrity: FIFA’s reversal of Balogun’s ban after high-level lobbying has sparked outrage from UEFA and the Belgian FA, raising serious questions about the governing body’s independence.
- England face tough Norway test: Haaland and company will be a step up from Mexico; Tuchel must address defensive lapses that saw England concede twice.
- Transfer window heats up: While World Cup dominates, clubs are busy—Tottenham break their record for Tonali, and Nottingham Forest gamble on Glasner to bring stability.
Other football news
On the transfer front, Tottenham Hotspur completed a club-record £100m signing of midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United. The Italian, who will work under compatriot Roberto De Zerbi, takes Spurs’ summer spending beyond £200m. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest appointed Oliver Glasner as their fifth head coach in under a year. The Austrian, who left Crystal Palace at the end of last season, said he aims to take Forest “to the next level.”
