The round of 16 FIFA World Cup clash between England and Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium has become the most-watched World Cup match of the 21st century in Mexico, according to FIFA Media. The match averaged 36 million viewers across Mexican broadcasters Televisa (20.7 million) and Azteca (15.3 million), breaking the nation's viewership record for the fourth time during this tournament.
Match Highlights and Key Performances
England defeated Mexico 3-2, with Jude Bellingham scoring a brace and Harry Kane adding a penalty strike. This victory made England the first nation to beat Mexico in Mexico City in World Cup history. Bellingham became the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to score twice in a World Cup match at Azteca Stadium. Maradona achieved the feat against Belgium in the 1986 semi-finals.
Harry Kane's penalty was his sixth goal of the tournament, equalling Gary Lineker's record as the joint-highest English scorer in World Cup knockout stage history. England advanced to their 11th World Cup quarter-final, with only Brazil (15) and Germany (14) having more appearances at this stage.
Mexico's Historic Home Dominance Broken
Before facing England, Mexico had won 70 and drawn 17 of their 89 matches at Azteca Stadium, highlighting a formidable home advantage. However, they conceded three goals in this match for the first time since August 1999, when they lost 4-3 to Brazil. In fact, Mexico conceded more goals against England (3) than they had in their previous 10 World Cup matches at the stadium combined (2).
Mexico pushed relentlessly for an equaliser after trailing 3-2, which would have forced extra time, but England defended resolutely to secure the win. England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals on July 11 in Miami.
Viewership Records and Broadcast Data
FIFA Media announced on X: "Records topped: Mexico's dramatic clash against England becomes the nation's most-watched FIFA World Cup match of the 21st century, with an average audience of 36 million across Televisa (20.7M) and Azteca (15.3M). The Round of 16 fixture broadcast marks the fourth time Mexico's record has been broken during this tournament. Note: Overnight audience data; consolidated figures will be published post tournament."
