England and Norway secured their places in the World Cup quarter-finals after overcoming Mexico and Brazil respectively in the last 16.England defeated co-hosts Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium to book a quarter-final meeting with Norway.The match started an hour later than scheduled, but Thomas Tuchel’s side made a strong start.
Jude Bellingham gave England the advantage before adding a second less than two minutes later to put his team in control. Mexico responded before half-time through Julián Quiñones, who reduced the deficit after England conceded a free-kick.
England faced a further challenge early in the second half when Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card following a VAR review, leaving the team to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Despite the setback, England extended their lead when Anthony Gordon was fouled inside the penalty area and Harry Kane converted the resulting spot-kick for his sixth goal of the tournament.
Mexico were awarded a penalty later in the match after another VAR review, and Raúl Jiménez scored to make it 3-2. Tuchel responded by strengthening his defence with substitutions as England managed the closing stages well to secure the victory and progress to the last eight.
Norway also advanced after a 2-1 win over Brazil, with Erling Haaland scoring both goals in the second half.
After a goalless opening period, Haaland broke the deadlock in the 79th minute with a header before doubling Norway’s advantage with a long-range finish a few minutes later.
Brazil had opportunities to score earlier in the match but were unable to take advantage. Bruno Guimarães saw his penalty saved by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, while Vinícius Júnior and substitute Endrick were also denied.
Neymar, making only his second appearance of the tournament after coming off the bench, converted a late penalty to reduce the deficit, but Brazil could not find an equaliser before the final whistle.
Haaland’s two goals took his tournament tally to seven, moving him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot. The goals also extended his scoring run for Norway to 14 consecutive international matches.
England and Norway will now meet in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.