The England national football team will face Mexico in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 5. The match is scheduled for 1:00 am BST at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Historical Context
This fixture marks the third time the two nations have met in a World Cup knockout stage. England's previous encounters in Mexico date back to the 1970 and 1986 tournaments. In 1970, manager Alf Ramsey described the squad as his best ever, yet the team lost 1-0 to Brazil in the quarter-finals and 3-4 to West Germany in the semi-finals.
The 1986 quarter-final defeat to Argentina at Azteca Stadium remains a notable historical event, featuring Diego Maradona's two goals against England.
Venue and Betting Markets
Azteca Stadium sits at an altitude of over 7,000 feet above sea level. The venue holds a capacity of 88,000 spectators. Mexico has a strong record at this location, with 70 wins, 17 draws, and two losses in 89 competitive matches.
The home supporters, known as Los Incondicionales, are expected to fill the stadium for this fixture.
Bookmakers have set odds for the outcome of the match. Sky Bet lists Mexico at 10/1 and England at 17/2 to win in extra time. The odds for either team to win within 120 minutes stand at 9/2, while a penalty shootout victory is priced at 5/1. Regarding individual performance, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are both quoted at 40/1 to take a shot on target.
Kane has scored five goals in the current tournament and holds a career World Cup total of 13 goals.
England has won one major trophy in its history, the 1966 World Cup on home soil, and holds no European titles. A victory against Mexico would position the team to potentially face Brazil in the quarter-finals and Argentina in the semi-finals.