England are preparing for their crucial World Cup 2026 meeting with Mexico and have been given extra security while in Mexico City following disruptive fan behaviour earlier in the tournament.
Thomas Tuchel’s side were met by member’s of the Mexican National Guard at their hotel after fans had disrupted the Ecuadoran squad with loudspeakers, horns and motorbikes earlier in the campaign. But Tuchel admitted England had faced ‘no issues’ and their arrival in Mexico has been ‘respectful and emotional’.
The Three Lions have also had to deal with the fallout over the uncertainty surrounding the kick-off time for this last-16 tie. Fifa were considering moving the match forward by six hours due to potential stormy weather but backtracked on those plans.
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, though Tuchel mus solve the problem of right-back.
Follow all the build-up to Sunday’s exciting tie with co-hosts Mexico:
Read MoreEngland can survive complication and mayhem in Mexico with one vital change
England enter the Azteca cathedral – football’s greatest stadium
What is Mexico City weather forecast for England’s World Cup clash at the Azteca?
Mexico v England live
- Mexico host England in World Cup last-16 | Kick off at 1am, live on BBC One
- England arrive in Mexico with added security over disruption fears
- Fifa backtrack on moving kick off times due to potential storms
- Pubs have been permitted to stay open to early hours for World Cup clash
- Miguel Delaney: England enter the Azteca cathedral - football's greatest stadium
- TEAM NEWS: Reece James could return to matchday squad with Jarell Quansah back fit
Peter Shilton ‘put the beef to bed’ over Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal
16:12 , Will CastlePeter Shilton has revealed that he is ready to put “the beef to bed” with Diego Maradona over the infamous ‘Hand of God’ moment between England and Argentina back in 1986.
“I’m not going to mention names,” Shilton told The Telegraph, “I’ve put the beef to bed because it’s 40 years now and it’s ironic with this game [being at the Azteca].
“I’ve been holding a bit of a beef for many years. I’ve been over to Buenos Aires in recent years and the people over there were fantastic towards me. They were brilliant to me. Inside, I thought it’s time to put the beef to bed… obviously Maradona’s no longer with us.”
Peter Shilton reveals he has ‘put the beef to bed’ Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal
Bored of the altitude talk?
16:02 , Will CastleThe altitude advantage has rightly received a lot of coverage ahead of England’s clash with Mexico tonight. It is scientifically set to be a big factor, hence the attention - but I’ve got the feeling many of you will share the same sentiment with ITV pundit Bradley Wright-Phillips on the issue...
"If I hear altitude one more time"... 😅
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 5, 2026
Bradley Wright-Phillips thinks England should be more confident heading into their game at the Azteca pic.twitter.com/sNQVce9kzS
Mexican midnight antics
15:52 , Will CastleYou won’t be surprised to hear that Mexico fans, just like for the visit of Ecuador, were outside England’s hotel in the little hours of this morning doing all they could to keep the players up and cause as much disruption as humanly possible.
It gets to a point where you almost respect the commitment... almost.
Who will tonight's winners play in the quarter-finals?
15:42 , Will CastleThe winner of tonight’s clash at the Azteca will face either Brazil or Norway, whose own last-16 match finishes before things get underway in Mexico City.
Five-time winners Brazil go into that match as the favourites but Carlo Ancelotti’s side haven’t exactly looked at their best so far this year. Carried by their attacking star quality, they have looked susceptibly wooden in midfield and at the back and needed a stoppage-time winner to get past Japan last time out.
Norway, meanwhile, are in their first World Cup since 1998 and look like they’re here to stay. Erling Haaland has powered them to this stage and an upset against a far-from-imperious Brazil side does not look out of the question.
If England can get through tonight, a serious test awaits them in the last-eight either way.
Latest Mexico vs England odds
15:32 , Will CastleMexico win 23/10
Draw (to penalties) 9/4
England win 6/4
Via Oddschecker
HAVE YOUR SAY! Predict the score
15:22 , Will CastleWATCH: England fan predictions ahead of World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico
15:12 , Will CastleMeet the photographer who took most-liked Instagram photo ever
15:02 , Kieran JacksonIt feels like something of a contradiction for a professional photographer not to be on the world’s most-popular photo-sharing platform, but it was actually a few days after the moment had passed before Shaun Botterill was told of the significance of a simple push of his finger.
Stationed at the end of the Lusail Stadium packed with Argentina supporters at the 2022 World Cup final, Lionel Messi has just led his country to world football’s most prestigious prize and claimed the piece of silverware he has most desired. A jigsaw has its final piece, the trophy has been lifted and Messi, with a smile as wide as Qatar itself, is making his way over to Argentina’s euphoric fanbase.
The photograph of a joyous Diego Maradona holding the trophy aloft at the Azteca Stadium in 1986, with the row of national flags hanging in the background, stands in footballing folklore. Now, it’s Messi’s turn. And Getty photographer Botterill, by hook or by crook, is in prime position.
"There are probably 200 photographers at a World Cup final, so the chances of being in exactly the right place are pretty small,” Botterill tells The Independent. “Then Messi suddenly appeared about two metres in front of me and I just couldn't believe it.”
Meet the World Cup photographer who took the most-liked Instagram photo ever
England hope to avoid same refereeing fate as France
14:52 , Will CastleLast night delivered one of the most bizarre (i.e. worst) refereeing performances in living World Cup memory.
Pitted against superior opposition in France, Paraguay toed a very fine line in an exhibition of off-the-ball fouls, collapsing to the turf and scuffing up the penalty spot. It was designed to delay, to provoke, and was either disgraceful, mildly irritating or a justified way of trying to hinder the arguable tournament favourite, depending on interpretation.
Officially, though, they fought clean. That Paraguay only committed 13 fouls was laughable; for the first time in 28 years, they completed a World Cup game without getting as much as a booking, which could suggest their behaviour was immaculate. Instead, it said rather more about the frankly baffling performance of Ilgiz Tantashev, the Uzbek referee, who seemed incapable of recognising Paraguayan wrongdoing.
England will hope Australia’s Alireza Faghani performs to a higher standard at the Azteca tonight.
World Cup last-16 results and fixtures
14:42 , Will CastleTwo games in, here’s a reminder of how the World Cup last-16 shapes up - and where you can watch every match:
Saturday 4 July
Sunday 5 July
Brazil vs Norway – 9pm BST – ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player
Monday 6 July
Mexico vs England – 1am BST – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website
Portugal vs Spain – 8pm BST – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website
Tuesday 7 July
USA vs Belgium – 1am BST – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website
Argentina vs Egypt – 5pm BST – ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player
Switzerland vs Colombia – 9pm BST – ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player
World Cup 2026 power rankings
14:32 , Will CastleThe 2026 World Cup is down to its last 16 teams after an action packed first knockout round saw some big hitters sent home.
Where do England rank after their near-miss with humiliation against DR Congo? And how does Mexico compare with the rest after their perfect campaign so far?
Here’s how every team in the last-16 stacks up in The Independent’s World Cup 2026 power rankings:
World Cup 2026 power rankings: France the team to beat heading into last 16
Who could take a penalty for England if Mexico clash goes to a shootout?
14:22 , Lawrence OstlereHere we go again. England are into the knockout rounds of a World Cup 2026, and now the threat of penalties loom over every nerve-jangling game with Mexico coming up in the last 16.
Lawrence Ostlere delves into the details to reveal who should take a spot-kick if that eventuality comes to pass - and one player that should probably stay out of the conversation:
Who could take a penalty for England against vs Mexico?
Mexico boss denies being 'fooled' by kick-off switch plan
14:12 , Will CastleMexico boss Javier Aguirre denied he was “fooled” by Fifa’s potential plan to move the kick-off of the last-16 clash with England.
Having branded the decision to bring the game forward a “kick in the stomach” before Fifa back-tracked, Aguirre replied to Mexican journalists: “Before you were calling me a preacher, now you are telling me I was fooled.
“I don’t know what you mean, I was told the match would be played at a different time and I said I wasn’t happy with the change. A day before the match, it was inconvenient and that’s all I said.
“I wasn’t looking for attention. You can rest assured those things aren’t spreading through the group – they’re prepared, strong and ready to play a good match tomorrow.“Those things can happen and went unnoticed for the players.”
How late could Mexico vs England go?
14:02 , Will CastleWe’re all bracing for a late night (and then an early start) ahead of England’s 1am BST kick-off in Mexico City. But with the risk of thunderstorms still very much there, the game could be delayed deep into the early hours of the morning.
Under World Cup safety rules, any lightning strikes detected within eight miles of the stadium result in an automatic 30-minute delay to play, something that affected France’s group-stage clash with Iraq.
More significantly, Mexico’s last game at the Azteca, against Ecuador on Tuesday, was delayed by one hour due to dangerous lightning activity in the vicinity. A similar scenario is very possible tonight.
With the possibility of extra time also a factor, this being a knockout tie of course, the sun may have fully risen on English shores before the final whistle is blown.
WATCH: Miguel Delaney goes running in Mexico City to get insight into altitude
13:52 , Will CastleHAVE YOUR SAY! Who starts right-back for England against Mexico?
13:42 , Will CastleInjury clouds have lifted for England
13:32 , Will CastleThe build for this last-16 tie with Mexico has made it seem everything is stacked against England, from the co-hosts’ home advantage to the infamous altitude.
But in a huge boost, Thomas Tuchel revealed that England’s right-back crisis is lifting.
He believes Reece James could return to the England matchday squad for the Three Lions’ crunch World Cup tie against Mexico, while Jarrell Quansah is back fit after the ankle injury that he picked up a week ago against Panama.
The Bayer Leverkusen defender could start at right back over Djed Spence, who struggled in the victory over DR Congo.
Elsewhere, Declan Rice has been declared fit for Sunday’s last-16 tie as the midfield linchpin continues to manage pain in his back and hamstring. Rice finished the game against DR Congo at right-back – but he is expected to start alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield.
Getting an early feel for the Azteca
13:22 , Will Castle
Getting on the Viagra anyway, Jordan?
13:12 , Will CastleThomas Tuchel drew a line through the rumour that England players were planning to use Viagra to help combat the effects of altitude in Mexico City - but that hasn’t stopped Jordan Henderson from having a bit of fun with the story.
Henderson was later asked how his side are coping with the challenging environment and he quipped: “Well, the Viagra helped, I think… I’m joking!”
He then returned to his media-trained self and said: “Players are very adaptable, really, and just get on with things.
“Like the kick-off time yesterday, whether we play at 12pm, whether we play at 6pm (local time), it doesn’t really bother us.
“We just come here to do our job, and that’s to be the best version of ourselves, to be together, to compete, to give everything for each other and the nation back home, to make them proud and to try to win a football game.
“Everything that we can’t influence, like kick-off times or altitude or stuff at the hotel, is not in our control, so we just have to find solutions, which we’re pretty good at.
“So for us it’s about full focus on our job ahead, no excuses.
“We’re ready to go and we want to come here and be the best version of ourselves tomorrow, and if we do that then we’ll have a good chance of winning.”
Can I take the day off for England’s World Cup game?
13:03 , Mike JonesThe nation will no doubt be on the edge of its seat tonight as England play Mexico at the Azteca.
After a number of touch and go matches with two late game goals from Harry Kane against the Democratic Republic of Congo, it’s no surprise that both the captain and England manager Thomas Tuchel has urged home fans to keep up the support.
Can I take the day off for England’s World Cup game?
Thomas Tuchel praises respectful Mexico fans after England security ramped up
12:54 , Mike JonesEngland manager quietened talk of possible disruption from Mexico fans by praising the reception his team received as they arrived in Mexico City ahead of Monday’s cruch World Cup 2026 last-16 clash.
Earlier in the tournament Ecuador had complained to Fifa about the noise made by Mexican fans outside their hotel ahead of their round of 32 meeting with the home supporters blaring music from loudspeakers, revving up motorbikes and honking horns into the early hours of the morning before the game.
Thomas Tuchel praises respectful Mexico fans after England security ramped up
The reality behind Mexico’s Azteca record – how worried should England really be?
12:42 , Flo CliffordMuch has been made of the co-hosts’ home record, but is it as fearsome as it seems? Chris Wilson has the answer:
The reality behind Mexico’s Azteca record – how worried should England really be?
England must beware Mexico’s dangerman – but this wildcard could light up the Azteca
12:32 , Flo CliffordEngland will return to the Estadio Azteca for the first time since being on the end of Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ - but could be dealt more World Cup heartbreak, writes Ed Malyon:
The Mexico dangermen threatening England’s World Cup hopes
England can survive complication and mayhem in Mexico with one vital change
12:20 , Flo CliffordBy the time he finally gets to the Azteca dressing room on Sunday, surrounded by that sense of history, Thomas Tuchel might have to come up with something different for the present moment. Because, over the course of this entertainingly chaotic World Cup, there’s been a message he’s often felt he’s had to repeat to the players.
That is basically that, if they are just “the best version of ourselves”, they’ll be fine.
He notes: “We don’t need anything extra in these stages, but just trust and belief in ourselves.”
In other words, if everything goes as normal, England are better than most opposition.
Except, for this huge last-16 match against co-hosts Mexico, almost nothing is normal.
More from Miguel Delaney in Mexico City:
The vital change England need to survive mayhem in Mexico
Who are the officials for England vs Mexico?
12:05 , Flo CliffordReferee: Alireza Faghani (Australia)
Assistant Referees: George Lakrindis and Andrew Lindsay (both Australia)
Fourth official: Jalal Jayed (Morocco)
Reserve Assistant Referee: Zakaria Brinsi (Morocco)
Video Assistant Referee: Nicolas Gallo (Colombia)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Juan Lara (Chile)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Juan Soto (Venezuela)
England vs Mexico referee: Who is World Cup 2026 official Alireza Faghani?
11:55 , Flo CliffordAlireza Faghani will take charge of England’s blockbuster World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday night.
The 48-year-old Australian official, who migrated from Iran in 2019 and has refereed under the Australian flag since 2023, is officiating in his third Fifa World Cup this summer.
He took charge of four matches in Russia in 2018, most notably France’s 4-3 win over Argentina in the last-16 and England’s defeat to Belgium in the third-place play-off. Faghani also officiated Mexico's 1-0 win over Germany in that tournament.
England vs Mexico referee: Who is World Cup 2026 official Alireza Faghani?
What are the weather rules?
11:45 , Flo CliffordUnder tournament safety rules, any lightning strikes detected within eight miles of the stadium result in an automatic 30-minute delay to play, something that affected France’s group-stage clash with Iraq.
More significantly, Mexico’s last game at the Azteca, against Ecuador on Tuesday, was delayed by one hour due to dangerous lightning activity in the vicinity. A similar scenario is very possible on Sunday evening.
The tournament safety rules were set in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Any strike within eight miles starts a countdown of 30 minutes, which resets every time another lightning strike happens.
If half an hour has passed, the players would re-enter the fray with a 15-minute warm-up before continuing the game.
What is the forecast for earlier on Sunday?
11:35 , Flo CliffordIn contrast, the BBC forecasts that at midday local time – when the prospective new kick-off time was – temperatures would be 4C warmer at 21C but the risk of rain lower at 29%.
The risk of a downpour increases steadily as the afternoon progresses. AccuWeather has a similar reading.
It should also be noted that the Estadio Azteca, unlike many stadiums being used at the World Cup, does not have a roof which covers the whole pitch. Instead, their canopy covers about 80% of all the seats.
What is Mexico City weather forecast for England’s World Cup clash at the Azteca?
11:25 , Flo CliffordWith the match set to kick off at 6pm local time, the BBC details that temperatures will be around 17C with a 69% chance of rain.
However, that percentage increases to 70% by 7pm, when a potential thunderstorm could impact the match and produce a risk of flooding in the area of the Azteca stadium, around 10 miles south of the city centre.
Weather website AccuWeather has a slightly different forecast: 49% chance of rain around kick-off, though they have the risk thunderstorms hitting at 8pm local time.
Their brief summary for Sunday reads: “Cloudy with occasional rain and a thunderstorm later in the afternoon; lightning from nearby storms may impact the soccer match.”
The risk of rain increases beyond 50% at 3pm local time, three hours before kick-off and when thousands of fans would be descending on the 80,000-seater stadium. Within this three-hour window, the chances of a thunderstorm are estimated around the 80% mark.
Five hours of chaos as debate swirls over kick-off time
11:15 , Flo CliffordThe kick-off time of England’s last-16 clash with Mexico at the World Cup 2026 on Sunday will stay the same after a period of chaos on Friday where the match seemed likely to be brought forward by six hours in order to avoid potential storms in Mexico City,
Media in Mexico, had initially suggested the game, which is scheduled to kick off at 1am BST on Monday morning (6pm local time on Sunday) would instead start at 7pm BST (12pm local) due to the risk of storms and flooding.
However, anger from the English and Mexican FAs, when they learned of the proposed change without being consulted first, means Fifa have backtracked on the proposal and stuck with the original time.
Fifa is yet to release any sort of official statement but sources close to the governing body told The Independent that after further discussions, the Mexico v England game will kick off as scheduled at 6pm local time on Sunday and that no decision was ever made to reschedule the start time. It will continue to monitor the situation, including the weather.
'A huge occasion' - Jordan Henderson
11:05 , Flo CliffordJordan Henderson, alongside Tuchel, admitted that Sunday’s occasion will be right up there with the biggest matches he’s ever experienced.
“A huge occasion, doesn’t get much bigger or better playing Mexico in Mexico City in that stadium, no words really,” Henderson, who is appearing in his fourth World Cup, said.
“Incredible occasion for everyone but it’s about staying focused. Mexico are a very good side, with very good players. Every game in the World Cup is difficult – everyone is looking forward to playing this game tomorrow.
“I hope it brings the best out of us.”
Mexico City's high altitude set to cause England problems
10:55 , Flo CliffordEngland took part in a one-hour training session on Saturday afternoon as they looked to adapt to the much-talked-about topic of altitude, with Mexico City standing 7,220 feet above sea level.
“We feel it, I felt a slight headache through the day, didn’t sleep as well, but nothing that you cannot handle or adapt to,” Tuchel said.
“I think the players felt it in the first minutes of the training session but the longer it went, the better they could cope with it. We cannot physically adapt; it’s impossible. We’re here a day before to experience it.
“It’s not a coincidence that Mexico’s home turf is very strong, front foot, aggressive. I think the first 15-20 minutes will be the toughest for us. Once we overcome that, I think we are in a good place.”
Thomas Tuchel gives injury updates ahead of Mexico tie
10:45 , Flo CliffordElsewhere, Declan Rice has been declared fit for Sunday’s last-16 tie as the midfield linchpin continues to manage pain in his back and hamstring.
Rice finished the game against DR Congo at right-back – but he is expected to start alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield.
Thomas Tuchel gives injury updates ahead of Mexico tie
10:37 , Flo CliffordHowever, Jarrell Quansah is back fit after the ankle injury that he picked up a week ago against Panama.
The Bayer Leverkusen defender could start at right back over Djed Spence, who struggled in the victory over DR Congo.
“Jarrell trained and is fully available,” Tuchel said. “Reece can maybe make it on the bench, but we need a last assessment from the doctors and a medical opinion.”
Thomas Tuchel gives injury updates ahead of Mexico tie
10:25 , Flo CliffordThomas Tuchel believes Reece James could return to the England matchday squad for the Three Lions’ crunch World Cup tie against Mexico.
Chelsea captain James did not take part in team training at a nearby facility on Saturday afternoon, instead undergoing a personalised programme as he looks to recover from a hamstring injury, but Tuchel said his first-choice right back would undergo a late fitness test before Monday’s 1am kick-off.
‘This game makes me feel so alive’: Thomas Tuchel is England’s figure of serenity in Mexico cauldron
10:15 , Flo CliffordThe almost child-like effervescence from the England boss is infectious – but as the Three Lions eye a ‘top performance’ at the Azteca on Sunday, will his call for cool heads pay off? Kieran Jackson reports from Mexico City:
Why Thomas Tuchel is England’s figure of serenity in Mexican cauldron
Pubs can stay open until 5am for England’s World Cup match against Mexico
10:06 , 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?
09:56 , 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
09:50 , 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
England hotel protected by riot police in Mexico City
09:44 , Mike JonesMore 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.
‘It catches you off guard’: The true impact of Azteca altitude for England against Mexico
09:38 , 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.
Here The Independent’s Jack Rathborn & Kieran Jackson explain exactly what England will face at the Estadio Azteca:
‘It catches you off guard’: The true impact of Azteca altitude for England vs Mexico
England ready to take on 'monster' Azteca and Mexico at World Cup
09:32 , Mike Jones“The stadium is a monster; that explains the high number of wins and draws, and the few losses—which were just accidents,” said the legendary Hugo Sánchez.
“We approach this with optimism because we know it’s England, but if we play the way we did against Ecuador, we can beat them.”
Who will the winner face next?
09:26 , Mike JonesThe winners will meet Brazil or Norway in a last eight tie slated for Saturday 11 July in Miami at 10pm BST.
What is England's early team news?
09:20 , Mike JonesRight-back remains the primary area of concern for 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.
Predicted England XI: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
England enter the Azteca cathedral – football’s greatest stadium
09:16 , Mike JonesFrom Pele to Diego Maradona, the footballing Mecca has witnessed some of the sport’s most iconic moments, writes Miguel Delaney, and England must embrace the history when they face Mexico
England enter the Azteca cathedral – football’s greatest stadium
What is the early Mexican team news?
09:14 , Mike JonesMexico have no major worries, although star winger Julian Quinones is managing a knock.
Predicted Mexico XI: Rangel; Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Mora, Lira, Romo; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quinones.
How can I watch it?
09:08 , 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.
A spoiler-free replay of the game will also air on the BBC at 7.10am on Monday morning.
When is Mexico vs England?
09:02 , Mike JonesMexico 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 was been proposed, according to reports in Mexico but Fifa have confirmed that the original kick off time will remain.
Mexico v England
08:55 , 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.
And as the co-hosts ride the crest of a wave with four wins in a row sending Mexico City wild, Javier Aguirre’s side will be relishing the chance of an upset in one of the game’s great theatres in what was anticipated to be the early hours of Monday morning BST but may yet me moved to an earlier time owing to weather concerns.
Mexico authorities announce police action for World Cup showdown against England after tragic incident
08:36 , Kieran JacksonMexican authorities have announced that 17,000 police officers will be deployed on the streets of Mexico City on Sunday for Mexico’s blockbuster World Cup 2026 clash against England.
Arguably the biggest game in the history of Mexican football, the co-hosts are aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup for just the third time. The game is set to kick-off at 6pm local time (1pm BST) as originally planned.
Mexico authorities announce police action for England showdown after tragic incident
Good morning!
08:24 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s crucial last-16 clash between Mexico and England.
I say today but in reality the match begins at 1am on Monday morning for those watching in the UK with fans expected to stay up through the night to discover if Thomas Tuchel and co. can reach the quarter-finals.
England have arrived in Mexico under a blanket of added security with disruption expected from Mexican fans but their preparations are ongoing ahead of a highly anticipated clash at the Azteca Stadium.
We’ll have all the updates and team news throughout the day so stick around as we build up to kick off.
