England secured a tense 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, but the performance will have done little to calm nerves ahead of a daunting next assignment.

The Three Lions spent much of the match trailing before Harry Kane rescued them with two goals in the final quarter of the game. Kane headed home an Anthony Gordon cross in the 75th minute to level matters, then produced a thunderous finish from a Gordon back-heel in the 86th to complete the turnaround and send England through.

A meeting with co-hosts Mexico

England's reward is a Round of 16 clash against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City — and it is far from an easy draw. Javier Aguirre's side have been one of the standout teams of the tournament, winning all four of their matches without conceding a single goal.

Mexico's results at the 2026 World Cup make for extraordinary reading: 2-0, 1-0, 3-0, and a 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the Round of 32. That run of four consecutive clean sheet wins in World Cup group and knockout play places them in elite company — the last nation to achieve that was Italy in 1990, who went on to reach the semi-finals before losing to Argentina on penalties, then beating England 2-1 in the third-place play-off.

Beyond the statistics, Mexico carry the enormous psychological weight of the Azteca behind them. Despite not having reached a World Cup quarter-final since 1986, Aguirre's men arrive at this stage in formidable form.

How do the sides compare?

England and Mexico have both scored eight goals at this tournament, but the defensive numbers tell a very different story. England have conceded three times; Mexico have conceded none. In terms of chances allowed, England conceded 0.8 expected goals and seven shots against DR Congo, while Mexico gave Ecuador 0.75 expected goals and also seven shots — numbers that are remarkably close, yet Mexico emerged with another shutout.

Thomas Tuchel's squad will need to be at their sharpest if they are to end Mexico's perfect record in what promises to be a defining night in Mexico City.