Mexico’s elimination from the World Cup at the hands of England sparked an emotional response across the country’s media, with many describing the defeat as the most painful “Aztecazo” in the nation’s football history. England secured a dramatic 3 2 victory in Mexico City to advance to the quarter finals, ending the hosts’ tournament on home soil.
The result marked only Mexico’s third defeat in a competitive match at the Azteca Stadium since it opened in 1966. England will now face Norway for a place in the semi finals, while Mexico’s long wait to return to the last eight of a World Cup continues.
Local media praises Mexico despite elimination
Several leading Mexican outlets focused on both the disappointment of the result and the determination shown by Javier Aguirre’s side.
ESPN Deportes described the loss as the most painful “Aztecazo” ever, highlighting that both the players and supporters believed until the final whistle that Mexico could overcome one of football’s traditional powers. The publication also referred to the familiar feeling of delivering a strong performance but still falling short.
El Universal echoed that sentiment, stating that Mexico left the tournament with pride intact. The newspaper pointed to goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa’s pre match comments about the importance of clinical finishing, noting that Jude Bellingham’s two quick first half goals perfectly illustrated the difference between the two teams.
AS México also labelled the defeat the definitive “Aztecazo” and called the match one of the greatest World Cup contests of the modern era, praising Mexico for pushing England to the limit in front of a passionate home crowd.
England advances as Mexico’s quarter final wait goes on
England established control through Bellingham’s quickfire double before Julián Quiñones reduced the deficit before half time. After Jarell Quansah was sent off, Harry Kane restored England’s two goal advantage from the penalty spot, only for Raúl Jiménez to answer with another successful penalty and set up a tense finish.
Despite Mexico enjoying more possession during large parts of the game and applying heavy pressure late on, England managed to protect their lead until the final whistle.
The victory sends Thomas Tuchel’s side into a quarter final meeting with Norway, who defeated Brazil thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland. For Mexico, the defeat means another missed opportunity to reach the World Cup quarter finals for the first time since 1986.
