A brace from Jude Bellingham and a goal by Harry Kane eliminated Mexico in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at Estadio Azteca, leaving fans in tears and with a sense of final farewell.
Estadio Azteca bid farewell to the 2026 World Cup after Mexico’s 3-2 loss to England on July 3. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored for the Tri, but goals from Bellingham and Kane decided the match.
Fans shouted “¡Y si sí!” during the game and chanted “¡Sí se puede!” in an atmosphere full of emotion. Guillermo Ochoa cried on the pitch at the end of his sixth and final World Cup, while coach Javier Aguirre handed the bench to Rafa Márquez.
The 60-year-old Azteca became the first stadium to host three World Cups. Supporters like Adrián Reynoso said: “In 40 years we will be old, this was our World Cup”. Many reflected on whether Mexico would host again in decades.
After the match, the crowd left in silence as English fans sang “Hey Jude”. The experience left a mix of pride in the participation and nostalgia for the moment lived at home.
