Mexico City — Mexico will host England in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup on Sunday at the Azteca Stadium, a venue that holds painful memories for the English side dating back four decades.
The match revives the ghost of the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal, when Argentina defeated England 2-1 at the same stadium, a game defined by Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal and his “Goal of the Century.” For England, returning to the Azteca means confronting one of the most famous defeats in its history.
Mexico enters the match unbeaten and without conceding a goal in the tournament, buoyed by home support at one of the world’s most iconic football venues. England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged that Mexico City’s altitude will pose an additional challenge, but said his players are prepared for the conditions.
The match is scheduled for Sunday, July 6, at the Azteca Stadium, with a spot in the quarterfinals at stake. It will be broadcast on TV Azteca, Televisa, Vix, and other platforms.
Mexico will look to capitalize on the passionate home crowd, which analysts consider a decisive factor. England, meanwhile, aims to overcome its historical demons and assert its quality on the pitch.
