England advanced after holding off co-host Mexico despite playing with 10 men for much of the second half, while Norway reached the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time with a 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil.
England and Norway secured places in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals after Round of 16 victories on Monday, July 6, 2026, with England defeating co-host Mexico 3-2 and Norway overcoming Brazil 2-1.
England advanced after defeating Mexico at Mexico City Stadium despite playing much of the second half with 10 men. Following a one-hour weather delay before kickoff, Jude Bellingham scored twice in quick succession, heading in Bukayo Saka’s cross in the 36th minute before finishing a pass from Harry Kane two minutes later to give England a 2-0 lead.
Mexico reduced the deficit before halftime when Julián Quiñones capitalized on a defensive error. England’s challenge increased in the 54th minute after defender Jarell Quansah was sent off following a VAR review. Harry Kane restored England’s two-goal advantage from the penalty spot in the 60th minute after Anthony Gordon was fouled inside the box. Raúl Jiménez converted a penalty for Mexico in the 69th minute, but England held on through the closing stages and stoppage time to secure a 3-2 victory.
England will face Norway in the quarterfinals.
At New York/New Jersey Stadium, Norway defeated Brazil 2-1 to reach the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.
Goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland played a key role by saving Bruno Guimarães’ first-half penalty and making several saves as Brazil created multiple scoring opportunities. Norway broke the deadlock in the 79th minute when Erling Haaland scored before adding a second goal in the 90th minute. Neymar converted a penalty deep into stoppage time to reduce the deficit, but Brazil were unable to find an equalizer before the final whistle.
Following the match, Neymar indicated that the defeat could mark the end of his international career.
The Round of 16 has already produced several major surprises. Argentina edged Cape Verde 3-2 and Colombia defeated Ghana 1-0 to reach the knockout stage, while France eliminated Paraguay 1-0, Morocco beat Canada 3-0, England knocked out co-host Mexico, and Norway ended Brazil’s title hopes.
With the quarterfinal lineup continuing to take shape, England will face Norway in a highly anticipated last-eight encounter as both teams seek to move one step closer to the FIFA World Cup 2026 title.
