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Published : 05 Jul 2026, 08:33 PM
A plethora of challenges face England as they battle hosts Mexico on Sunday night in what will surely be a raucous atmosphere at Mexico City.
The World Cup Group of 16 match will be played at 7,200-foot altitude in possible treacherous weather that nearly led to the match being pushed up six hours.
There also is fear of not getting a good night's sleep as Mexico fans staged a crazy noisy scene complete with fireworks outside Ecuador's hotel the night before Mexico's 2-0 victory on Tuesday.
Then there's this: Mexico's national squad is 70-2-17 all-time at Estadio Azteca since it opened in 1966.
"It is maybe one of the most beautiful fixtures, the most exciting fixtures that you can have, to play against Mexico in the Azteca," England coach Thomas Tuchel said. "And there will be a lot of obstacles waiting for us, not to mention the altitude will be, of course, a big disadvantage because we cannot physically adapt to it in four days. It's just impossible."
England are coming off a tightly-contested 2-1 win over DR Congo on Wednesday in Atlanta. The Three Lions are taking aim at reaching at least the quarterfinals for the third straight World Cup.
Mexico have their sights on reaching the quarterfinals for just the third time. They also advanced that far in 1970 and 1986.
But after outscoring opponents 8-0 over four World Cup matches, El Tri are optimistic the familiar surroundings can be the deciding asset.
"It's a match everyone dreamed of -- facing England in the Round of 16 in this stadium," Mexico midfielder Alvaro Fidalgo said. "It's probably one of the biggest games we are ever going to experience as players. We know they have good players; we know how they play. Their midfield is highly physical, above all. They have great players in every position. They are going to be great opponents."
The Mexico defence will have to be keenly aware of Harry Kane's whereabouts at all times.
The English star forward has scored five goals in this World Cup, tied for third with Norway star Erling Haaland. Argentina's Lionel Messi and France's Kylian Mbappe are tied for the lead with seven apiece.
Kane is aware the pursuit of victories only gets tougher the deeper you advance in the World Cup. He said it's time for the club to dig down deep.
"There are still things to work on for sure and these rounds are just about getting through," Kane said. "We are in the part of the tournament when you have to grind wins out, and that's what we have done."
Midfielder Jude Bellingham (two goals, one assist) is also enjoying a strong tournament.
Mexico doesn't have a megastar like Kane but forwards Julian Quinones (three goals, one assist), Raul Jimenez (two goals) and Roberto Alvarado (three assists) are leading El Tri's strong run.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre sharply criticized officials on Friday for considering moving up the start time before the match eventually remained as a night-time kickoff.
"I was told the match would be played at a different time and I said I wasn't happy with the change," Aguirre said Saturday. "A day before the match, it was inconvenient and that's all I said."
Meanwhile, Tuchel and his club still need to worry about getting some sleep on Saturday night amid a possible loud congregation.
"We expect a good night of sleep," Tuchel said Saturday. "FIFA has (placed) security around the hotel. I don't want to talk about problems that don't exist. We have been treated with respect."
The winner faces either Brazil or Norway in the quarterfinals on Jul 11 at Miami Gardens, Fla.
