England are through to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a remarkable 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, and manager Thomas Tuchel deserves as much credit as the goalscorers for steering his side through one of the most gruelling knockout ties in recent memory.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were the standout performers on the night, but it was Tuchel's in-game decision-making — particularly after Jarell Quansah's red card left England with 10 men for the better part of an hour — that ultimately sealed the win in front of a partisan crowd of 80,824.
A historic night in Mexico City
Sir Geoff Hurst has already raised the question of whether this was England's greatest World Cup win on foreign soil. The 3-2 triumph over Mexico in the round of 16 draws comparisons with famous nights against France in 1982 and Argentina in 2002, though those came in the group stage. There have been memorable quarter-final victories over Cameroon and Sweden, and unforgettable moments such as David Platt's extra-time volley against Belgium in 1990 and the penalty shootout win over Colombia in 2018 — but few tests have come with the altitude, hostility, and adversity of this one.
Tuchel's substitutions turn the game
Tuchel's record of bold, timely changes has been a theme throughout this tournament. Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford combined off the bench to see off Croatia, while Anthony Gordon provided two assists for Kane as England came from behind against DR Congo. Against Mexico, his instincts were tested to the limit.
With 15 minutes of normal time remaining, Tuchel introduced Dan Burn and switched to a five-at-the-back formation. The move invited immediate pressure, but it seemed to anticipate exactly what Mexico manager Javier Aguirre would do — sending on an additional target man and opting to pepper the England box with crosses. Four specialist centre-backs were waiting for them.
Burn, Djed Spence, and John Stones were immense in repelling the Mexican attacks. Burn, who came on as late as the 75th minute, made more clearances than any other player on the pitch. England held on, and Tuchel's defensive reshuffle was vindicated.
A coach who reads the game
Benjamin Weber, Tuchel's long-time analyst, spoke to Sky Sports about his manager's particular skill set.
