Mexico is one of the most complete sides in the competition. Javier Aguirre’s disciplined squad managed four wins from four matches while conceding one goal. El Tri swept Group A by beating South Africa 2-0, South Korea 1-0 and the Czech Republic 3-0 before beating Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32 with strikes from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez. That victory secured Mexico’s first World Cup knockout victory in 40 years while extending their remarkable run of four consecutive clean sheets.
The route to England was less straightforward. Thomas Tuchel guided the Three Lions to the top of Group L with two wins and a draw before his side found themselves on the brink of elimination against DR Congo. Brian Cipenga’s early opener left England trailing in the game until Harry Kane rescued his team with goals in the 75th and 86th minutes, completing a dramatic 2-1 comeback. Kane now has five goals in the tournament and continues his pursuit of the Golden Boot while increasing his status as England’s biggest World Cup sponsor.
Much of the pre-match attention was focused on the extreme conditions in Mexico City. Severe thunderstorms lashed the capital hours before kick-off, prompting stadium officials to issue a shelter-in-place order inside the open-air Azteca due to active lightning and heavy rain. Earlier, FIFA reviewed moving the kickoff forward six hours before abandoning the plans after discussions with the two federations, which ultimately confirmed that the match would start as originally scheduled if conditions permitted.
Team news presents contrasting stories. Mexico entered with a fully fit squad and no suspensions, allowing Aguirre to keep the defensive quartet of Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez and Jesús Gallardo, anchoring the tournament’s worst defense. Luis Romo and Érik Lira continue to provide the midfield platform in Aguirre’s agile 4-3-3 system, while Quiñones and Jiménez lead the attack.
England, on the other hand, continued to manage the injuries in defence. Jarell Quansah has recovered from an ankle injury to start at right back after passing a late fitness test. Reece James and Djed Spence are both fit only for places on the bench, while Declan Rice returns to his natural role in midfield after briefly filling in in defense against DR Congo. Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon get starts on the wings alongside Harry Kane after their influential substitute displays in the previous round.
The atmosphere is also intensified by events away from the pitch. England’s preparations were disrupted when hundreds of Mexican supporters gathered outside the team hotel in the early hours, using firecrackers, sirens, motorcycle engines, horns and loudspeakers in an attempt to disturb the visitors. The incidents prompted a significant police presence around the England hotel and followed Ecuador’s formal complaint to FIFA about similar treatment ahead of their Round of 32 defeat to Mexico.
One of the most famous football stadiums is now hosting a competition of great significance. Mexico are trying to end decades of knockout frustration on their own soil, while England are looking to take a step towards a long-awaited second World Cup title.