Kane scores sixth World Cup goal as 10-man England survive Azteca to beat Mexico 3-2

Harry Kane scored his sixth goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Jude Bellingham delivered a stunning two-goal burst as England beat Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca on Sunday, surviving a red card, a VAR-awarded penalty against them, and an altitude of 7,220 feet to claim a hard-fought victory.

Bellingham was the catalyst in the first half, scoring twice in three minutes to give England a 2-0 lead. Kane then converted a penalty in the 60th minute to make it 3-1 — a goal that proved decisive — before Mexico clawed one back to set up a tense finish.

The match turned on a VAR review in the 54th minute that resulted in a red card for defender Jarell Quansah, forcing England to defend deep for the bulk of the second half. Mexico pressed hard with the man advantage, registering 37 touches in England’s box and 20 shots on goal across the 90 minutes. A second VAR check then awarded Mexico a penalty after it was ruled that Kane had fouled Brian Gutiérrez before making contact with the ball.

Kane disagreed with the call but was philosophical in the aftermath. “I thought I got to the ball first,” he said. “It was one of those days where the ref gave a lot against us. In the end, it didn’t matter. So, yeah, I’m happy.”

The England captain was visibly drained after the final whistle, his voice reduced to a rasp during his post-match interview. “My voice is gone,” he said with a laugh, his voice cracking as he tried to say Bellingham’s name. “It was a crazy game. We had to fight. We had to find something. I was just singing over there. I can’t really talk. But all the occasion — the team and everything against us — we found a way.”

Bellingham, who has now scored four times in the tournament, also made a crucial defensive block late in the first half to preserve England’s lead. The performance of the two forwards underlines just how central they have become to England’s World Cup campaign.

The Azteca is regarded as one of the most intimidating venues in world football for visiting sides, and England’s ability to hold on with 10 men in that environment will be seen as a significant marker of their resilience. With Kane and Bellingham in this form, England head into the knockout rounds as genuine contenders to win their first World Cup since 1966.