UK consul general hosts World Cup watch party in Ho Chi Minh City as England reach quarterfinals
The British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City hosted a World Cup watch party on Monday as England defeated hosts Mexico 3-2 to reach the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing together diplomats, business representatives, partners, and Vietnamese football fans.
British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Alexandra Smith hosts a World Cup watch party at her residence as England face hosts Mexico in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, July 6, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
The match, delayed by about an hour because of bad weather conditions, saw England advance despite playing with 10 men after defender Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute.
Jude Bellingham scored twice in the first half to give England a 2-0 lead before Mexico’s Julian Quinones reduced the deficit.
British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Alexandra Smith attends a World Cup watch party at her residence in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, July 6, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
Harry Kane converted a penalty early in the second half to make it 3-1, and Raul Jimenez later scored for Mexico as England held on for victory.
British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Alexandra Smith hosted the event at her residence, where many guests wore English club jerseys and watched the match together in a festive atmosphere.
Diplomats from the British Consulate General, together with Vietnamese and British business representatives, watch the FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match between England and Mexico at the residence of British Consul General Alexandra Smith in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, July 6, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
The consulate said the gathering reflected the close interest many Vietnamese fans have in English football, particularly the Premier League, and highlighted football’s role in strengthening people-to-people ties between Britain and Vietnam.
Following England’s victory, Smith thanked Vietnamese supporters for backing the national team and expressed confidence ahead of England’s quarterfinal against Norway on Sunday.
Diplomats from the British Consulate General, together with Vietnamese and British business representatives, watch the FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match between England and Mexico at the residence of British Consul General Alexandra Smith in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, July 6, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
A television screen broadcasts the FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match between England and Mexico during a watch party at the residence of British Consul General Alexandra Smith in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, July 6, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
Truong Thi Dieu Linh (L), spouse of the Honorary Consul of Mexico in Ho Chi Minh City Vu Minh Anh, attends a World Cup watch party for the England-Mexico round-of-16 match at the residence of British Consul General Alexandra Smith in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, July 6, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Alexandra Smith (R) reacts while watching England play Mexico during a FIFA World Cup round-of-16 watch party at her residence in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, July 6, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Alexandra Smith reacts after Mexico pulled a goal back during the first half of the FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match between England and Mexico at a watch party in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, July 6, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
Guests celebrate after England captain Harry Kane converted a penalty during the FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match against Mexico at a watch party hosted by British Consul General Alexandra Smith in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, July 6, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
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