Mexico puts unbeaten record on line against England in World Cup last 16

Unbeaten run

Mexico has won all four of its matches at the 2026 World Cup, beating South Africa, South Korea, Czechia, and Ecuador without conceding a goal. The team is aiming for its first quarterfinal appearance since 1986, when it hosted the tournament. Coach Javier Aguirre is expected to field the same lineup that defeated Ecuador 2-0 in the round of 32, with 17-year-old Gilberto Mora in midfield.

South Africa

2

South Korea

1

Czechia

3

Ecuador

2

South Africa

2

South Korea

1

Czechia

3

Ecuador

2

Altitude and history

The match will be played at over 2,200 meters above sea level at the Estadio Azteca, where Mexico is unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches across three tournaments. England has not played at the venue since the 1986 quarterfinal, when Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal eliminated them. Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the difficulty:

As I understand it, we cannot adapt to the altitude. That is a huge advantage for Mexico. It simply takes too long.

Hydration breaks, which Tuchel used to turn around England's round-of-32 tie against DR Congo, could again be pivotal.

Key battles

Harry Kane leads England's attack with five goals in the tournament, including two in the comeback win over DR Congo. The Bayern Munich striker has scored 66 goals in all competitions over the past 323 days. Mexico's goalkeeper Tala Rangel, 26, has kept four clean sheets in 348 minutes at this World Cup and has conceded only twice in his last 11 international appearances. Defender Johan Vásquez anchors the back line.

Match details

The round-of-16 tie kicks off at 18:00 local time on Sunday (02:00 Monday CEST) at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Referee Alireza Faghani, an Iranian-born official representing Australia, will take charge. England right-back Reece James is a doubt with a hamstring issue; Djed Spence could deputize. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals.