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Mexico’s remarkable World Cup journey came to a heartbreaking conclusion at the Estadio Azteca, as Julián Quiñones delivered a standout performance and Raúl Jiménez reignited El Tri’s hopes before Jude Bellingham inspired England to a dramatic 3-2 victory.

In one of the tournament’s most memorable encounters, England edged out Mexico in a pulsating contest that saw the Three Lions escape the Azteca with a narrow 3-2 win, leaving El Tri and their fans in despair.

Raúl Jiménez and Julián Quiñones were Mexico’s goalscorers, but Jude Bellingham turned the match on its head in a ruthless two-minute spell that punished Mexico’s brief lapse. The Real Madrid midfielder netted his third and fourth goals of the competition in quick succession, completely shifting the momentum before Mexico could recover.

Jordan Pickford, who had been beaten six times previously by Jiménez in Premier League encounters, made two crucial saves to keep England 2-1 ahead at halftime. However, he could not deny Jiménez from the spot late in the game as Mexico pushed desperately for an equaliser.

Despite the defeat, this World Cup will be remembered as historic for Mexico. El Tri set new national records across the tournament: most wins in a single campaign (four), most points (12), most goals scored (10), most clean sheets (four), and most assists by a Mexican player in a World Cup, with Roberto Alvarado registering three. Even in loss, El Tri left a lasting impression.

Here’s how Mexico’s players fared in their defeat to England at the Estadio Azteca:

Goalkeeper & Defence

Raúl Rangel (6/10):

Could have reacted faster during the sequence that led to England’s third goal, especially with the visitors already reduced to ten men. Nevertheless, he was not primarily responsible for Mexico’s collapse during that critical two-minute period.

Jorge Sánchez (6/10):

His pressing high up the pitch troubled England and helped Mexico win possession in advanced areas. Defensively, however, he struggled whenever Anthony Gordon managed to isolate him one-on-one.

César Montes (6/10):

Came close to levelling the score before halftime, only for Bellingham to intervene heroically. While composed in possession, he failed to provide the defensive organisation Mexico desperately needed when England surged to a 2-0 lead.

Johan Vásquez (7/10):

Ended his impressive tournament with another reliable performance. Vásquez anchored Mexico’s back line with composure and consistency, once again showing excellent distribution against England.

Jesús Gallardo (5/10):

Actively joined the attack down the left flank and offered width, but his final delivery repeatedly let him down. Too many crosses failed to reach their intended target.

Midfield

Érik Lira (7/10):

One of Mexico’s biggest revelations this World Cup. His commanding displays could earn him a move to Europe, where his development as a key midfielder for club and country should continue. His individual contest with Bellingham was among the game’s most captivating duels.

Luis Romo (6/10):

Contributed to a few promising attacking sequences early on but faded as the match progressed. Mexico needed greater midfield control, something Romo could not consistently provide.

Gilberto Mora (6/10):

Before giving away possession that led to England’s second goal, Mora had been playing impressively — defending strongly and using the ball intelligently. To his credit, after Mexico reduced the deficit to 2-1, he regained composure and tried to reassert influence, showing notable maturity.

Attack

Roberto Alvarado (7/10):

His World Cup performances showcased how vital he was both offensively and defensively. Without his movement, creativity, and work rate, Mexico would not have reached such attacking heights in this campaign.

Raúl Jiménez (7/10):

Retained on the pitch by Aguirre for his reliability from the penalty spot, Jiménez justified that faith by converting late to make it 3-2. Earlier, Pickford denied him twice with crucial saves.

Julián Quiñones (8/10):

Mexico’s standout performer of the night. Without Quiñones, this clash might never have reached classic status. His threat only diminished once Aguirre shifted to a more direct style late on, and substituting him removed Mexico’s most potent attacking option.

Substitutes & Manager

Edson Álvarez (6/10):

Introduced at halftime after Montes’ injury and took time to adapt to the pace of play. Tried to impose himself, particularly during set-piece situations.

Santiago Giménez (5/10):

Given multiple opportunities off the bench throughout the tournament but never quite looked confident with his movement or finishing. Another challenging cameo for the young striker.

Brian Gutiérrez (7/10):

Brought fresh energy and immediately attacked England’s defence with purpose. His run drew the foul from Harry Kane that resulted in Jiménez’s penalty. This World Cup experience should benefit his future with the national team.

Álvaro Fidalgo (6/10):

Assumed control of Mexico’s passing game late on but could not produce the decisive ball needed for an equaliser. His appearance highlighted that Mexico might have benefited from his composure earlier in the match.

Guillermo Martínez (5/10):

Aguirre’s decision to introduce him made sense tactically, adding aerial presence in the box. Yet, substituting Quiñones — Mexico’s best player on the night — was a controversial move that ultimately weakened the attack.

Javier Aguirre (7/10):

While defeat will inevitably raise questions, Aguirre’s leadership guided Mexico through one of its most remarkable World Cup campaigns. Perhaps starting Fidalgo instead of Romo would have provided more midfield control, and removing Quiñones late on was a major risk. Still, Aguirre departs this tournament having steered El Tri to a truly memorable run in their footballing history.