England captain Harry Kane reacted with a simple yet emphatic post on social media after the Three Lions defeated co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash, securing a place in the quarterfinals. Kane wrote on X shortly after the final whistle: "Wow. Just wow."
Kane's Penalty and Key Role
Kane played a pivotal role in England's victory, converting a second-half penalty after Anthony Gordon was fouled inside the box. The goal was Kane's sixth of the tournament, marking only the third instance of an England player scoring six goals at a major international tournament, matching his own achievement at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and Gary Lineker's six-goal campaign in 1986. According to The Athletic, Kane has also become the outright record-holder for the most World Cup penalty goals in regulation time, with six, two more than any other player.
Bellingham's Record and Player of the Match
Jude Bellingham was named Player of the Match after becoming the youngest player to make 10 FIFA World Cup appearances, surpassing the previous record held by Argentina's Mario Kempes, who was 23 years and 334 days against Poland in 1978. England's official X handle posted "Iconic" after Bellingham and Kane showcased their class in the 3-2 win.
England's Quarterfinal History
England have secured a place in the World Cup quarterfinals for the 11th time, with only Brazil (15) and Germany (14) having reached the last eight more often in the tournament's history, according to The Athletic.
Kane's Season and Other Milestones
Kane continued his remarkable form against Mexico, registering a goal and an assist to take his tally to 81 goal involvements in 63 appearances for club and country across all competitions during the 2025-26 season (73 goals and eight assists). According to OptaJoe, Kane also became the first player on record since 1966 to both score a penalty and concede a penalty in the same FIFA World Cup match. Bukayo Saka reached a notable milestone, becoming only the third England player since 1966 to register three assists in a single FIFA World Cup, joining David Beckham (2002) and Harry Kane (2022).
