Mexico City deploys 7,500 police for England World Cup clash as fans disrupt team's sleep
A massive security operation with 7,500 officers is in place for the World Cup last-16 match between Mexico and England at Estadio Azteca, while Mexican fans have been staging noisy protests outside the English team's hotel to disrupt their sleep.
Security operation
Mexico City authorities have mounted one of the largest security operations of the tournament, deploying 7,500 police officers at the Estadio Azteca, roughly one officer for every ten fans. An additional 3,300 officers will be stationed at the Zocalo main square, where large screens have been set up for public viewing. The measures were tightened after four people died in crowd incidents following Mexico's win over Ecuador last week. At the Angel of Independence monument, a 25,000-person limit has been imposed, with overflow directed to other screens along Paseo de la Reforma. Over 50 viewing zones have been designated across the city.
- Estadio Azteca
- 7500
- Zocalo square
- 3300
Hotel disruption
In the early hours of Sunday, hundreds of Mexican fans gathered outside the England team hotel in the Santa Fe district, ignoring armed police cordons. They sang, played drums and trumpets, used loudspeakers, and set off fireworks in an effort to deprive the players of sleep. Some fans also launched flares from a nearby bridge. This "serenade" tradition, deeply rooted in Latin American football, has evolved from passionate support into a psychological weapon. Mexico used the same tactic before their round-of-16 win over Ecuador, prompting a formal complaint from the Ecuadorian federation to FIFA.
We start the match at 6 p.m. local time, so if we miss a few hours of sleep, we'll make up for it late morning.
Altitude and climate
The Estadio Azteca sits at about 2,200 metres above sea level, where thinner air reduces oxygen availability and can accelerate fatigue during intense sprints. England have played all their previous matches in the United States, at much lower altitudes. FIFA also considered moving the kick-off time due to the risk of heavy rain. England forward Marcus Rashford said the team was unfazed.
For us it makes no difference how we prepare. We have to be focused and ready for anything. That's one of our strengths.
Fan atmosphere and protests
Millions are expected in Mexico City, with only around 8,000 English fans in a clear minority. Some have chosen not to wear team shirts, though locals have been described as welcoming. Ticket demand is high, and authorities fear that ticketless fans may gather near the stadium. The Anti-Globalist Assembly has announced a protest against England, accusing the country of "upholding the colonial system" and "active participation and complicity in the genocide in Gaza." At least two groups may attempt to harass English supporters.
Match context
Mexico have won all their matches so far without conceding a goal, while England started strongly with a 4-2 win over Croatia but struggled to beat DR Congo in the previous round. The winner will advance to the quarter-finals. Kick-off is at 6 p.m. local time on Sunday (2 a.m. Monday in Poland).
