Mexico have been among the most complete sides in the competition. Javier Aguirre’s disciplined side produced four wins from four matches while also conceding a goal. El Tri topped Group A defeating South Africa 2-0, South Korea 1-0 and the Czech Republic 3-0 before beating Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32 through strikes from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez. That victory secured Mexico’s first World Cup win in 40 years as it extended its extraordinary run to four consecutive clean sheets.
The road to England was much less direct. Thomas Tuchel led 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 opener left England chasing the game until Harry Kane rescued his side 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 quest for the Golden Boot as he extends his status as England’s leading World Cup goalscorer.
Much of the pre-match attention was focused on the extreme conditions in Mexico City. Severe thunderstorms swept through the capital hours before kickoff, prompting stadium officials to issue a shelter-in-place order at the open-air Azteca due to active lightning and torrential rain. FIFA had previously explored moving the kickoff forward six hours before abandoning those plans after discussions with both federations, ultimately confirming that the match would start as originally planned once conditions permitted.
The news of the team presents contrasting stories. Mexico enter with a fully fit squad and no suspensions, allowing Aguirre to retain the defensive quartet of Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez and Jesús Gallardo, who have anchored the stingiest defense of the tournament. Luis Romo and Érik Lira continue to provide the midfield platform in Aguirre’s energetic 4-3-3 system, while Quiñones and Jiménez lead the attack.
England, meanwhile, continue to manage 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 only fit enough for places on the bench, while Declan Rice returns to his natural midfield role after completing a bit in defense against DR Congo. Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon earned starts on the wings alongside Harry Kane after their influential substitute appearances in the previous round.
The atmosphere was also heightened by off-field events. England’s preparations were disrupted when hundreds of Mexican supporters gathered outside the team hotel in the early hours, using fireworks, sirens, motorcycle engines, horns and loudspeakers in an attempt to disrupt the visitors. The incidents prompted a significant police presence around the England hotel and followed Ecuador’s formal complaint to FIFA over similar treatment ahead of their Round of 32 defeat in Mexico.
One of football’s most famous stadiums is now hosting a competition that carries enormous significance. Mexico are trying to end decades of knockout frustration on home soil, while England look for another step towards a long-awaited second World Cup title.