England’s preparations for their massive World Cup meeting with Mexico have been shaken up by uncertainty surrounding the kick-off time after Fifa backtracked on moving the match forward by six hours.
The country was bracing for an early morning 1am BST kick-off, with pubs in the United Kingdom allowed to stay open until the early hours - but in a late twist, kick-off looked set to be changed to 7pm BST on Sunday afternoon due to a storm threat in Mexico City. However, it’s now understood that Fifa have gone back on these plans with both England and Mexico’s federations irate.
England are in the last 16 after Harry Kane’s double saved Thomas Tuchel’s side – and perhaps the manager’s job – against DR Congo after falling behind early in Atlanta, but a far tougher test is to come.
The Mexico clash will provide a unique challenge with altitude and an anticipated hostile reception providing added factors for the England squad as they prepare for the Estadio Azteca – scene of Diego Maradona’s contrasting double in 1986. Declan Rice has been declared fully fit in a significant injury boost, while England are also plotting to avoid the impact of a boisterous set of Mexico supporters at their hotel.
Follow all the build-up to Sunday’s exciting tie with co-hosts Mexico:
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England enter the Azteca cathedral – football’s greatest stadium
Mexico v England build-up latest
- England face daunting altitude test at Estadio Azteca 40 years on from Mexico '86
- Fifa backtrack on plans to move kick-off forward to 7pm BST after farcical few hours of confusion
- Pubs have been permitted to stay open to early hours for World Cup clash
- Mexico boss furious at Fifa over proposed World Cup kick-off change
- Harry Kane demands England enjoy Mexico test
Reece James remains away from England group training
06:00 , Jack RathbornReece James is still not fit enough to train with his England team-mates ahead of the World Cup last 16 clash with Mexico in Mexico City.
The Chelsea captain continues to struggle with a hamstring issue and missed games with Panama and DR Congo.
But despite closing in on a return before the DR Congo tie, James is a major doubt for the last 16 clash with Mexico.
Jarell Quansah, dealing with an ankle problem, or Djed Spence look like the main options for Tuchel, despite Declan Rice performing admirably in the role.
Harry Kane relishing England opportunity at World Cup
05:00 , Jack Rathborn“It’s probably the best I’ve felt in my career. I made a conscious effort at the start of this season to be even fitter, to take care of myself even more, looking at different ways to recover better. Also, you need a bit of luck to stay injury free,” Kane notes after extending his Bayern Munich form into the World Cup 2026.
“If you’ve got the leaders training and running like I do, it only helps. You’ve seen that in the games. I’m willing to run more and do whatever it takes to help the team. I look at my stats after each game and it’s really pleasing.”
Alan Shearer on England's task at Azteca
04:00 , Jack Rathborn“Yes, it's going to be tough, because of the altitude and the atmosphere and everything else,” Alan Shearer says in his BBC Sport column. “Co-hosts Mexico are at home and the crowd could be as much as 80% of their fans, which is very different to anything England have faced at this tournament so far.
“But as a player, these are the kind of games and moments you train and work so hard for all your life because to be going to such an iconic stadium and playing in a World Cup in front of a TV audience of millions, with a place in the quarter-finals as the prize, is what you dream of as a boy.
“I've wanted to go to the Azteca since I watched the 1986 World Cup on TV as a teenager and this is the first time England have been back since losing that epic quarter-final tie to Argentina. It's going to be an amazing spectacle as well as a unique test.”
Police officers guard England's Mexico City hotel before World Cup last 16 clash
03:00 , Jack Rathborn
‘It catches you off guard’: The true impact of Azteca altitude for England against Mexico
02:00 , Mike JonesEngland have overcome several World Cup obstacles already this summer – yet Thomas Tuchel is fully aware of the seismic challenge that awaits at the cauldron that is the Azteca Stadium in the last-16.
The co-hosts have been whipped up into a piping-hot frenzy over the last three weeks, unleashed most impressively in their last-32 victory against Ecuador. Following a weather delay, the rampant Julian Quinonez and Raul Jimenez landed a pair of haymakers to leave their South American opponents dazed.
Yet England’s most daunting task on Sunday night could well be the conditions, with altitude set to be a great leveller with Mexico City’s iconic Azteca situated 7,220ft (2,240m) above sea level. Jack Rathborn and Kieran Jackson report:
‘It catches you off guard’: The true impact of Azteca altitude for England vs Mexico
Altitude issue is genuinely unfair on England
01:00 , Miguel DelaneyEngland will play Mexico at altitude in the Azteca Stadium on Monday morning 1am.
Here’s Miguel Delaney explaining why the altitude will be a genuine issue for the Three Lions.
How England pulled off their comeback against DR Congo
00:00 , Mike JonesIn his latest ACFC video, Adam Clery digs deep into England’s comeback win over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Harry Kane 'feels as good as ever' after England World Cup heroics
23:30 , Mike JonesEngland captain Harry Kane has said he feels as good he has ever felt in his career as he looks to extend his remarkable season.
Kane saved England’s World Cup hopes on Wednesday night with a late brace that saw Thomas Tuchel’s side come from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 and advance to a last-16 meeting with co-hosts Mexico.
His stunning 86th-minute strike took him to 72 goals for club and country in the 2025/26 campaign, a total which is second only to Lionel Messi’s 82-goal season in 2011/12.
“This season for me, 72 goals so far and hopefully a few more to go, is I think almost 20 more than I’ve ever reached in my career to date and I’ve had some pretty good seasons up until now,” the 32-year-old said on the latest episode of the Lion’s Den.
“I’ve had some good moments but in terms of how I feel right now, I think just from an overall package, I feel as good as I’ve ever felt going onto the pitch.”
BBC to show spoiler-free replay of England’s World Cup clash with Mexico on Monday morning
23:00 , Mike JonesEngland fans electing not to stay up until the early hours of Monday morning will be able to watch a full, spoiler-free replay of their World Cup game on BBC Two.
The broadcaster, which has the rights to England’s round of 16 clash with Mexico, has confirmed that it will show the game again from 7.10am BST on Monday.
BBC to show spoiler-free replay of England’s World Cup clash with Mexico on Monday
England enter the Azteca cathedral – football’s greatest stadium
22:40 , Miguel DelaneyIt only adds to all of the symbolism around the Azteca that, before Pele and Diego Maradona reached a level of football that is now seen as celestial, they first had to ascend.
The old structure of the grand stadium had the dressing rooms underground, so teams had to come and continue up a flight of stairs.
It was so enclosed that, despite 115,000 fans raucously cheering outside, all Maradona could hear in the moments before that England game at the 1986 World Cup was “the clicking of studs on that metallic floor”.
England enter the Azteca cathedral – football’s greatest stadium
England break 60-year World Cup curse against DR Congo to spark fresh hope
22:20 , Mike JonesThe win over DR Congo might be more significant for England than first appeared – the last time they conceded the first goal in a World Cup game and came back to win was the 1966 final.
Harry Kane’s double clinched just the second-ever time England have landed a win after an opponent broke the deadlock in a knockout tie, according to Fox Sports, with five draws and 17 defeats in the 25 matches.
England's defensive concerns could play major role against Mexico
22:00 , Jonathan VealEngland’s right-back issues have contributed to a significant lack of defensive structure which has seen them look vulnerable at the back.
They gifted Croatia two goals, conceded chances on the counter-attack to both Ghana and Panama before falling behind to DR Congo, who almost made it 2-0 before half-time.
Mexico have scored eight goals in their four matches so far so will be licking their lips at the prospect of coming up against England’s creaky backline.
With England having a decent attacking line of their own, this could be a high-scoring match.
PA
Raul Jimenez on record against Jordan Pickford before Mexico v England
21:30 , Jack Rathborn“I saw that statistic,” Raul Jimenez says, having been told he has scored six times against Jordan Pickford during his time in the Premier League.
“I didn't realise it before, wow, it's really good, I want to keep increasing my goals against him and England, which would be my first, I'll work hard and make things difficult for their defence.
“For us to win, we need every goal we can take. It's always important, not just because it's England. It's a World Cup, we want to make the best of our own, the best game in our lives, it will be fantastic."
England receive hostile welcome at Mexico City hotel ahead of World Cup clash
21:00 , Jack RathbornEngland received a hostile welcome as they arrived at their Mexico City hotel ahead of Sunday night’s World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico.
England had been hoping to keep their location undisclosed after Mexico supporters used loud speakers, horns and motorcycles to try to disturb the sleep of Ecuador’s players before their last-32 tie, which the co-hosts won 2-0 on Wednesday night.
But when England’s coach arrived at their hotel, hundreds of fans were already there, with many booing while others chanted “Mexico”.
At least one supporter within the crowd could be seen holding up an England shirt.
Security has been increased outside the hotel after events earlier in the week, which led to complaints from Ecuador’s football federation.
There has also been an increase in security in the city after four people died during the celebrations that followed Mexico’s win over Ecuador. PA
Morgan Rogers relaxed about hostile and loud Mexican atmosphere impacting England preparation
20:30 , Jack Rathborn"I'm not concerned about it, but I won't be happy if it wakes me up, we'll see how it goes and deal with it the best as possible,” Morgan Rogers says.
“It's another hurdle, we've heard about it, get enough sleep and recovery before the game. I might need to invest in some [ear plugs]."
Mexico v England: Who will play right-back for Three Lions?
20:00 , Jonathan VealTuchel has a selection headache as he continues to feel the consequences of not selecting enough right-backs in his 26-man squad.
Reece James (hamstring) and Jarell Quansah (ankle) are huge doubts for the match after missing the win over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Djed Spence came into the side for that match but did not impress and England ended the match with midfielder Declan Rice there.
Tuchel will be hoping at least one of Quansah or James will recover in time, or the German may even consider moving Ezri Konsa across if he is not confident in Spence.
PA
Marc Guehi underlines importance of 'character and personality' for England against Mexico
19:30 , Jack Rathborn“I think I know my character,” Guehi said. “It’s just how you’re able to cope in those moments.
“You start picturing in your mind what those moments are going to look like, and visualise them so that when they do come, you’re not surprised.
“It’s about trying to show those elements of your character and having personality in those moments.”
Thomas Tuchel claims England win over Mexico would be one of greatest in country's history
19:00 , Jack Rathborn“We will make peace with the stadium, that’s fine. You have every right to be bitter, but it also doesn’t help to be bitter,” Tuchel tells ITV Sport, when quizzed on the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final loss to Argentina and Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’.
“To find the next level, we create chances, we don’t concede a lot.
“Yes, it could be [one of the best-ever England wins at a World Cup], we go for that, I felt before the tournament, this could be the moment. We’re on our way.”
Bradley Wright-Phillips dismisses 'altitude' factor for England against Mexico
18:45 , Jack Rathborn“If I have to hear ‘altitude’ one more time,” Bradley Wright Phillips tells ITV Sport.
“We are too big a nation to be throwing in the underdog card. Man for man, we are a better team.
“Survive the first 15-20 minutes and we'll have too much quality, without being arrogant.”
Thomas Tuchel on England's altitude test against Mexico
18:30 , Jack Rathborn"It's a home advantage, altitude, a lot of pluses on their side, we have to deal with them and we will," Tuchel tells ITV Sport.
"I expect the worst, prepare for the worst, traffic, noise outside the stadium. Just smile and focus on what we can influence, it’ll be fine.
“Both a challenge and a game changer. My expectation is we will suffer in the first 15-20 minutes, after that, we will be fine.”
Mexico City pub prepares for Azteca showdown
18:15 , Jack RathbornOn Sunday afternoon, as England and Mexico meet in a World Cup showdown at the Azteca Stadium, the fault line between two football cultures will run straight through a British pub in the heart of Mexico City.
At The Duke of Lisbon in the `Juarez neighbourhood, Mexican cooks turn out fish and chips that homesick Brits insist are better than some versions back home. Behind the bar, the venue's British-Mexican management team is keeping things amicable. By kick-off time, the pub, which has a long wooden bar and copies of the Encyclopaedia Britannica on the walls, will be awash in green shirts and white shirts, with staff weaving between fans of both sides with pints of bitter and plates of chicken tikka masala or bangers and mash."
One side will leave happier than the other," Mexican co-manager Luis Pena says. "But we hope we all have a good time." Soccer in Mexico dates back to the arrival of British miners in the 19th century, who planted the seeds of what has become a national obsession.
Mexico one of two teams with World Cup shut-out
18:00 , Jack RathbornMexico remain perfect at the back; four games played, zero goals conceded.
Only Spain have matched that defensive record, with England likely to need to change that to advance to the quarter-finals.
The back line, with Johan Vásquez and Cesar Montes at the heart of the defence, is set to play a vital part in how the game unfolds, can Harry Kane break through for England?
Marc Guehi: 'Mexico are favourites'
17:30 , Jack Rathborn“It is special, to be honest, all the legends have played there, Pele, Maradona, to have the opportunity to play there is a blessing,” Marc Guehi tells BBC Sport.
“I’d say Mexico are probably favourites, the fact that they’re doing so well in the competition. They’re on home soil, playing at the Azteca, they’ll have the fans behind them.
“It’ll be a big challenge for us, but one we’re up for and ready for.”
Predict the World Cup and win a holiday to Spain with Jet2: Have you got what it takes?
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Copa Independent | Where does Harry Kane’s talismanic double rank in all-time England World Cup moments?
16:00 , Mike Jones
HAVE YOUR SAY: How far will England go?
15:46 , Mike JonesWhat England fans should know about travelling to Mexico City
15:32 , Mike JonesMaking the trip to Mexico City? Amelia Neath has some handy travel advice for you.
What England fans should know about travelling to Mexico City
Many pubs to remain closed for England-Mexico World Cup game
15:19 , Mike JonesBut not all establishments are to take advantage of the change in permitted opening hours – quite understandably, too!
Why many pubs will remain closed for England-Mexico World Cup game
Pubs can stay open until 5am for England’s World Cup match against Mexico
15:05 , Mike JonesEngland fans back home have been given a boost by news that pubs can stay open until 5am on Monday morning to take in the World Cup clash with Mexico.
Predict the World Cup and win a holiday to Spain with Jet2: Have you got what it takes?
14:44 , Mike JonesPlay our World Cup 2026 knockout prediction game, pick every result from the last 16 onwards, and win a holiday for two to Spain at the Daia Slow Beach Hotel Conil with Jet2.
Full terms and conditions on how to enter are below:
Predict the World Cup and win a holiday to Spain with Jet2
Ezri Konsa: Harry Kane is England's Lionel Messi
14:37 , Mike JonesEngland defender Ezri Konsa says Harry Kane is their version of Lionel Messi after the captain bailed them out against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Of course, it’s like Argentina with Messi. And we’ve got that in Harry Kane here,” he said. “We know his qualities. We know how many games he can score in.
“That’s his job. That’s what he does. He loves scoring goals, and we love watching him score goals.
“If you look at the second goal, from my angle, if you look at it, he was outside the post.
“I don’t know how he’s managed to wrap his foot around it and get it in with that much power.
“But like I’ve said before, it’s what he does. He scores goals, and it’s nothing new for us.”
Thomas Tuchel relishing 'karma' of Azteca, 40 years on from Hand of God
14:23 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel says England have the opportunity to "make peace" with the Azteca Stadium amid potential "karmic" retribution on their first return to the famous arena since the ‘Hand of God’ in 1986, despite agreeing that the altitude is an unfair "disadvantage".
"I just love football and the old tournaments," Tuchel said. "These pictures from Mexico, they are in St George's Park, where we stay.
"Big pieces of history. This is a big moment to make peace with the stadium and turn things around.
“It will reward us. We will get it back. It’s karma. Karma will come back for us. We will turn it around.
"I remember of course the world cup of Maradona. Two goals against England. One that was dribbling and one that would never stand these days.
"I remember something was hanging in the centre of the Azteca and it never moved. It was like a ball hanging and the sun was so steep the shadow was always there in the middle.
"I was 13 years old and Germany played them in the final. It's an iconic stadium. I remember the coffee table book that came from it and the pictures with all these flags and stuff. Super excited to have this match. It's an iconic match to play against Mexico in Mexico. It will be against the whole country, the energy of the whole stadium in their country."
The change Thomas Tuchel has made to England’s World Cup plans to combat Azteca altitude
14:11 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel has admitted that England will have to battle against the challenges of altitude in the World Cup last-16, given how Mexico are so accustomed to it.
The Azteca stands at 2,240 meters above sea level. When asked whether this was unfair, the German said: “Yes, it's a huge advantage”.
Tuchel did admit that England changed plans as a consequence.
Having flown back to their Kansas City base after the Atlanta win over Democratic Republic of Congo, the squad will fly on Friday afternoon - rather than the usual trip the day before the game - in order to find some kind of balance within the constraints and the recommendations for the best preparation for altitude.
"We will go one night earlier. It makes sense,” he said.
The change Tuchel has made to England’s World Cup plans to combat Azteca altitude
Predict the World Cup and win a holiday to Spain with Jet2: Have you got what it takes?
14:00 , Mike JonesPlay our World Cup 2026 knockout prediction game, pick every result from the last 16 onwards, and win a holiday for two to Spain at the Daia Slow Beach Hotel Conil with Jet2.
Full terms and conditions can be found here.
Harry Kane demands England enjoy Mexico test
13:52 , Mike Jones“I want to enjoy this one, because I know there’s another extremely tough game coming in four days,” Harry Kane said.
“Mexico, in Mexico, is as big as it gets maybe in the World Cup.
“The atmosphere is going to be incredible. It’s going to be tough for many different reasons but ultimately, if you want to be world champions, you have to go through tough games, good teams, Mexico at home.
“We have to be ready but for now I just want to enjoy this moment, I want to recover, relax, and then obviously the focus will turn pretty quickly onto that one on Sunday.
“They’ve obviously won every game so far in the tournament, but they’re playing at home.
Thomas Tuchel offers encouraging Declan Rice injury update for England’s Mexico clash
13:39 , Miguel DelaneyDeclan Rice does not have any injury, Thomas Tuchel said, as he expects his influential midfielder to be in shape for England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico at the Azteca on Sunday.
The 27-year-old had to go off at the end of England’s late 2-1 win over Democratic Republic of Congo, having been managing nerve pain in his back over the course of the tournament.
Thomas Tuchel offers encouraging Declan Rice injury update for England’s Mexico clash
Anthony Gordon on Harry Kane inspiration
13:27 , Mike Jones“You know what? As soon as he hit (the second goal), I knew it was going in,” Anthony Gordon said. “I was already celebrating.
“It’s more the consistency that he surprised me with. Anyone can score a good goal, anyone at this level can put the ball in the top corner.
“This is the consistency that he does it. Every day in training. Every game. He is phenomenal. He plays at such a high, high level.
“It’s amazing to be around him every day, because when you’re around someone at the elite level – he’s at the very, very top of football, he’s having a season that’s only ever been beaten by Lionel Messi, the greatest footballer of all time. So that speaks to the level he’s playing at.
“When you’re around someone like that, you want to pick up as many habits and watch everything he does to see why he’s at that level.
“It’s no accident, like I said, there’s consistency every day, how hard he works, every finishing drill.
“He does it with passion, he does it with seriousness. He never ever messes about. So it’s amazing to be around him. He’s definitely an inspiration to all of us.”
Alan Shearer sends England warning over Harry Kane
13:12 , Mike JonesFormer England captain and centre forward Alan Shearer told the BBC: "It wasn't a good performance and I've got the same concerns as I had in the previous two or three games about us defensively.”
Kane has once again shown why he remains among the world's elite forwards, capable of deciding matches by himself.
"There's not many centre forwards in the world can produce that piece of magic," Shearer said. "The way he turns and swivels - and the balance is incredible. Then to get the direction and the power into the roof of the net - that was some strike."
But knockout football has a way of exposing over-reliance on any one player. Opponents become stronger, margins become finer and, eventually, even the most reliable match-winners can be contained.
Keir Starmer confirms late opening times at pubs for Mexico v England
12:58 , Mike JonesPubs across England and Wales will be able to stay open until 5am for the England v Mexico World Cup match that kicks off at 1am on Monday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced.
MPs had called for leeway beyond the 2am extended pub opening hours already in place for England matches during the tournament.
England will face Mexico in the last after beating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 on Wednesday but the next game in Mexico City begins at 1am BST and will not finish until after the previous extended hours provision.
The Prime Minister said: “Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to.
“Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together.
“The whole country will be backing the team. Come on England!”
Mexico v England tickets reach eye-watering £27,000 for World Cup last-16 tie
12:41 , Mike JonesTickets for England’s last-16 clash against co-hosts Mexico at World Cup 2026 are selling for eye-watering prices up to $36,000 [£27,300].
The clash is rivalling the most expensive World Cup knockout fixtures ever after England battled to a 2-1 victory over DR Congo thanks to Harry Kane’s rescue act to set up a mouthwatering tie at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, at 1am BST on Monday.
Outgoing prime minister Keir Starmer is set to relax UK licensing laws to allow all pubs to stay open until the small hours on Monday morning should they wish but fans hoping to attend the fixture in Mexico face ludicrously high ticket prices on Fifa’s resale website.
Mexico v England tickets reach eye-watering £27,000 for World Cup last-16 tie
Education Secretary insists children should go to school after England game
12:24 , Mike JonesThe Education Secretary says schoolchildren could watch England’s early-morning World Cup match against Mexico on Monday and still make it to class after head coach Thomas Tuchel said pupils should be allowed “an excuse for school”.
Victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday set up a meeting with the co-hosts in Mexico City that will kick off at 1am BST, likely impacting the size of the television audience able to watch.
In the past it has been common for schools and employers to allow England games in the latter stages of major tournaments to be shown when they clash with working hours, but Monday’s kick-off in the small hours poses a unique obstacle.
However, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson does not believe watching the match necessarily means children need to miss school.
“It’s a late game, but children can be in school the next day,” she told the Press Association.
Asked if she believed children can both watch the game and still make it into school, she said: “Well, I think they can, yes, but it’s for parents to decide how they manage this, and of course, it depends on the age of your children, how they feel. But this is about decisions for individual families.”
England fans set sights on Mexico City
12:11 , Mike JonesAre you heading for Mexico City?
British Airways saw a 2,000 per cent spike in searches on Thursday for flights from London to the Mexican capital – comparing levels at 5pm, with those at the final whistle of England’s win of DR Congo.
The most significant numbers occurred during the final hour of the match, with a 530% increase between 6pm and 7pm, as England fans' confidence soared when Harry Kane scored his two match-winning goals.
England's win over DR Congo records huge viewing figures
11:55 , Mike JonesEngland's dramatic World Cup victory over DR Congo delivered the BBC's biggest live audience of 2026, with a peak audience of 16.3 million watching Harry Kane's late winner on BBC One and BBC iPlayer to send England into the Round of 16.
The match also averaged 14 million viewers and was the most-watched moment on the BBC this year.
Mexico boss furious at Fifa over proposed World Cup kick-off change vs England
11:35 , Mike JonesMexico manager Javier Aguirre is “quite angry” at the proposed kick-off time change for his side’s World Cup 2026 last 16 tie with England on Sunday.
Fifa and the Mexican and English football associations are in talks over the scheduled kick-off time, with the consideration of adverse weather and the prospect of flooding in Mexico City.
It is the latest wildcard factor to a game which will be influenced by the impact of altitude on both sets of players, while reports suggested that the time could change from 6pm local time (1am BST on Monday) to 12pm local time (7pm BST).
Mexico boss furious at proposed World Cup kick-off change vs England
Thomas Tuchel makes England World Cup plea to parents: ‘Write an excuse for school’
11:01 , Mike Jones"I was happy to watch the first half and then it wasn't on, and I slept at 10 o'clock," Tuchel told reporters after England's win over DR Congo.
"Very unusual for me, but I have somehow a crazy early bedtime during this World Cup and I didn't see it. I saw the result, of course, and I saw that they didn't concede, and it will be a tough one."
Harry Kane on 'disadvantage' for England against Mexico
10:44 , Mike JonesThe England captain said: "My understanding is we cannot adapt to the altitude.
“It's a huge advantage Mexico have. There's not enough time.
"We knew that before. It's just a disadvantage with which we will have to deal. But we showed the attitude."
The secret to Harry Kane’s greatness – and why this World Cup is different
10:25 , Mike JonesAfter Harry Kane put it into the top corner, and the bottom corner, Declan Rice maybe put it best after a remarkable 2-1 win over DR Congo.
England’s striker, Rice said, is just “inevitable”.
Kane is as close to a guarantee as you can get. This is why the England team is almost entirely built around their captain, it’s why descriptions of “the Harry Kane team” aren’t a total exaggeration.
Just look at the range he displayed in this very game to inspire this first come-from-behind England win in a World Cup knockout match since 1966.
The secret to Harry Kane’s greatness – and why this World Cup is different
Mexico boss furious at Fifa over proposed World Cup kick-off change vs England
10:12 , Mike JonesMexico manager Javier Aguirre is “quite angry” at the proposed kick-off time change for his side’s World Cup 2026 last 16 tie with England on Sunday.
Fifa and the Mexican and English football associations are in talks over the scheduled kick-off time, with the consideration of adverse weather and the prospect of flooding in Mexico City.
It seems the decision has been made to keep the game at 1am BST on Monday morning but the lack of clarity is confusing for all involved.
Pubs can stay open until 5am for England’s World Cup match against Mexico
10:08 , Mike JonesEngland fans back home have been given a boost by news that pubs can stay open until 5am on Monday morning to take in the World Cup clash with Mexico.
Can Fifa reschedule World Cup matches?
09:50 , Mike JonesFifa do have the power to reschedule matches at the World Cup.
The world footballing governing body’s regulations for World Cup 2026 state it has the right to "cancel, reschedule or relocate" matches "at its sole discretion".
Fifa don’t appear to have to jump through many hoops to get things like this changed, to the potential dismay of its competing teams.
England's route to the World Cup final
09:40 , Mike JonesBased off Fifa rankings, and probability, here’s what England’s route to the World Cup final could look like - with Mexico first up:
Round of 16
5 July: England vs Mexico | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Quarter-final
11 July: England vs Brazil | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Semi-final
15 July: England vs Argentina | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Final
19 July: England vs Spain | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Predict the World Cup and win a holiday to Spain with Jet2: Have you got what it takes?
09:21 , Mike JonesPlay our World Cup 2026 knockout prediction game, pick every result from the last 16 onwards, and win a holiday for two to Spain at the Daia Slow Beach Hotel Conil with Jet2.
Full terms and conditions can be found here.
What is the team news?
09:20 , Mike JonesMexico have no major worries, although star winger Julian Quinones is managing a knock.
Right-back remains the primary area of concern for England and Thomas Tuchel with Reece James and Jarrel Quansah both fighting for fitness.
Should they not be available Djed Spence could continue there despite struggling throughout the DR Congo game.
Declan Rice will play despite his continuing issues with what Tuchel described as “terrible” neural pain.
Who will the winner face next?
09:15 , Mike JonesThe winners will meet Brazil or Norway in a last eight tie slated for Saturday 11 July in Miami at 10pm BST.
How can I watch it?
09:10 , Mike JonesViewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC1, with coverage on the channel from 12am BST. A live stream will be available via BBC iPlayer.
What time is Mexico vs England kick-off?
09:06 , Mike JonesEngland face the daunting prospect of ending Mexico’s 13-year unbeaten run at the Azteca Stadium in what promises to be a compelling World Cup 2026 last-16 clash.
Thomas Tuchel’s team, who are yet to hit the heights expected of them pre-tournament, must deal with a passionate home crowd and the complications of performing at altitude.
Mexico vs England is due to kick off at 1am BST on Monday 6 July at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City - but that may change because of the threat of severe thunderstorms. A new time of 7pm BST on Sunday has been proposed, according to reports in Mexico.
Good morning!
09:02 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup as we build up to England’s fascinating last-16 tie against Mexico on Sunday.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 1am BST Sunday night/early Monday morning but there were rumours that Fifa were looking to change the start time due to possible storm threats.
The lack of communication from Fifa caused a storm of its own yesterday as fluctuations to the start time created an uncertain chaos around the game before it seems Fifa reverted back to the original kick off time.
England, meanwhile, are preparing for a battle against the World Cup co-hosts at altitude with the Azteca Stadium a cauldron they must overcome should they hope to reach the quarter finals.
We’ll have all the latest news and build up throughout the next couple of days ahead of Mexico v England.
England hotel protected by riot police in Mexico City
22:15 , Jack RathbornMore than 100 riot police in bullet-proof vests are guarding the hotel where England are staying after the team received a hostile reception as they arrived for their World Cup last-16 match against Mexico.
England had been hoping to keep their location secret after Mexico supporters used loud speakers, horns and motorcycles to try to disturb the sleep of Ecuador’s players before their last-32 tie, which the co-hosts won 2-0 on Wednesday night.
But when England’s coach arrived at the hotel, hundreds of fans were already there, with many booing while others chanted “Mexico”.
Around 200 locals were near the hotel on Saturday, which has a fence blocking access and officers from Guardia Nacional lining it.
A police dog and drone are also being used near the hotel while the England team bus is parked outside.
