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Mexican outlets have described England’s dramatic 3-2 victory in Mexico City as the “most painful Aztecazo” after the national team was eliminated from the World Cup on Sunday.

England triumphed in a thrilling and chaotic encounter at the Estadio Azteca to reach the quarter-finals, ending Mexico’s impressive record at the iconic venue. This defeat marked only the third competitive loss for Mexico at the stadium since its inauguration in 1966.

That year remains significant as England captured their only World Cup title. Now, the Three Lions will face Norway in pursuit of a semi-final berth in the North American tournament co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada — with no further matches scheduled on Mexican soil.

ESPN Deportes reflected on the heartbreak: “The hopes of the Mexico City Stadium were shattered in the 101st minute. This time, Mexican supporters refused to give up, much like their national side. They stayed until the final whistle, holding onto the dream that, just once, they might overcome a giant like England.

“The final result, 3-2 in favour of the Europeans, became the most painful ‘Aztecazo’ of all. Once again, the feeling of ‘we played better than ever but lost as always’ prevailed.”

El Universal and AS Mexico also led their coverage with the phrase “Aztecazo”, with AS calling it “the definitive ‘Aztecazo’”.

El Universal noted: “Mexico exited the World Cup with their heads held high. [Goalkeeper] Guillermo Ochoa warned a day earlier that clinical finishing defines the powerhouses... and so it proved. Jude Bellingham reminded everyone with his brace.”

The England midfielder struck twice within three minutes in the first half, giving England a 2-0 lead and dispelling pre-match concerns about the altitude in Mexico City. However, Julian Quinones quickly pulled one back for Mexico.

A Harry Kane penalty extended England’s advantage after Jarell Quansah was sent off, but Raul Jimenez converted a penalty of his own to make it 3-2, leaving England to endure a tense finish — one they ultimately survived.

El Universal added: “Possession, which favoured the Mexican team, ended up being just a statistic. [England] suffered from start to finish at the Azteca Stadium.”

AS described the contest as “the ‘Game of the Century’ of the new era,” adding: “Everything fell apart for [Javier] Aguirre’s ‘Tri’, who went down fighting, pushing England to their physical and emotional limits in a delirious and unforgettable match — a golden page in World Cup history.

“It could not have taken place anywhere else. The Azteca Stadium — more English than ever — through fate, weather, and crowd, witnessed England exorcise their ghosts from their cursed venue.”

England now advance to face Norway in the quarter-finals after Erling Haaland’s double secured a 2-1 victory over Brazil, where Neymar’s late penalty served only as consolation. Meanwhile, Mexico’s dream of reaching their first World Cup quarter-final since 1986 has been dashed once again.