Two heavyweight clashes lit up the FIFA World Cup 2026 this weekend, and while no African nation was directly involved, the results carry significant weight for the tournament’s evolving narrative – one that South African supporters have been following with intense interest since Bafana Bafana’s own group-stage exit.
England Edge Mexico in a Classic at Mexico City
In front of a raucous home crowd that shook the Mexico City Stadium to its foundations, England survived a fierce Mexican fightback to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory on Monday. It was the kind of game that reminded everyone why knockout football at a World Cup is unlike anything else in the sport.
Mexico came out with genuine intent, pressing high and using the altitude advantage to rattle an England side that looked uncomfortable in the opening exchanges. The home side’s energy was electric, and their two goals reflected a team that genuinely believed they could pull off one of the tournament’s great upsets. For a period in the second half, with Mexico level and the crowd at fever pitch, it felt very possible.
England, however, showed the kind of collective resilience that has defined their campaign. Their third goal, coming when the pressure was at its most intense, was clinical and well-worked – a reminder that this England squad has matured considerably from previous tournament incarnations. The final whistle was greeted with relief as much as celebration from the English camp.
For Mexican fans, the defeat stings deeply. Playing at home, buoyed by an incredible atmosphere, they came agonisingly close. The tactical flexibility their coach showed throughout the match gave glimpses of what might have been.
Norway Stun Brazil in New York Shocker
If England vs Mexico was dramatic, then Norway’s 2-1 defeat of Brazil in New Jersey on Sunday was nothing short of seismic. The Seleção, many people’s pre-tournament favourites, have now been eliminated in circumstances that will haunt Brazilian football for years to come.
Norway were disciplined, physically imposing, and ruthlessly efficient on the counter-attack. Their second goal, coming against the run of play in a spell where Brazil were desperately searching for an equaliser, was the sucker punch that settled matters. Brazil threw everything forward in the final minutes, but Norway’s defensive organisation held firm.
Brazil’s exit is the biggest story of the tournament so far. Their attacking talent looked muted against a Norwegian side that clearly did their homework and executed a near-perfect game plan. Questions will now be asked about squad selection, tactical setup, and whether this golden generation of Brazilian players has now missed its best opportunity.
From a South African perspective, there is a familiar ache in watching a continental giant fall short. Bafana Bafana supporters, still processing their own early exit, can at least take comfort in knowing that upsets at this level are not reserved for smaller nations. Football has a wonderful way of levelling the playing field.
What Comes Next
England march on as genuine contenders, while Norway’s fairytale run continues to capture imaginations globally. African football followers will be watching closely, hoping the lessons of this tournament – tactical organisation, mental fortitude, clinical finishing – filter back into how AFCON preparation and continental football development is approached in the years ahead.
The 2026 World Cup is delivering. Every round brings fresh drama, and the quarterfinal picture is becoming clearer and more compelling by the day.