England started their tournament in Group L with a high-scoring 4-2 victory over Croatia. They followed that up with a tough, scoreless 0-0 draw against Ghana, before securing the top spot in the group by defeating Panama 2-0. With seven points from three matches, England advanced to the knockout stages as group leaders.
In the Round of 32, they faced a very difficult challenge against DR Congo. England fell behind early after conceding a goal in the seventh minute and struggled to break through for most of the match. The turnaround came late in the second half, led by captain Harry Kane. Kane scored the equalizer in the 75th minute and then struck the winning goal in the 86th minute to secure a 2-1 victory, earning England their spot in the Round of 16.
Mexico’s path to the last 16
Mexico has enjoyed a flawless tournament so far on home soil, showing complete dominance in both defense and attack. Playing in Group A, they opened their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over South Africa.
They followed that with a tight 1-0 victory against South Korea and finished the group stage by beating the Czech Republic 3-0. Mexico topped the group with a perfect nine points, scoring six goals and keeping three clean sheets.
In the Round of 32, they faced Ecuador in Mexico City. The hosts took control early in the first half, with Julian Quinones scoring in the 22nd minute and Raul Jimenez adding a second in the 31st minute.
Mexico managed the rest of the match smoothly to finish with a 2-0 win, entering the Round of 16 without conceding a single goal.
