England face a daunting trip to the Estadio Azteca this weekend, where they will face Mexico in the last-16 of the 2026 World Cup.
The Three Lions were far from their best in the last-32 but bested DR Congo thanks to a late Harry Kane-inspired turnaround.
Facing Mexico in Mexico City, at the same stadium where Diego Maradona scored his infamous ‘Hand of God’, will be a hugely challenging task. El Tri have been boosted by their vociferous fans throughout this tournament, and they are expected to number in their tens of thousands on matchday.
The co-hosts breezed past Ecuador in a feisty encounter to reach this stage of the competition and will bring a similar physicality into this England match.
The Three Lions will also have to contend with playing at altitude, with the Azteca sitting over two kilometres above sea level.
FIFA are currently in talks regarding moving the kick-off time up six hours so as to avoid a weather delay.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Mexico vs England is scheduled for a 1am BST kick-off on Monday, July 6, 2026, though this is subject to change.
The match will take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Where to watch Mexico vs England for FREE
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on BBC One, with coverage starting at 12am ahead of a 1am kick-off. Broadcast times are subject to change.
Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via BBC iPlayer.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert insight from Dom Smith at the ground.
Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with BBC iPlayer, the ITVX app and their websites.
Mexico vs England team news
Impressively, Mexico have made it to this stage of the competition with no serious injuries in the squad.
Raul Jimenez, until recently of Fulham, has enjoyed an impressive campaign so far, forming a tidy strike partnership with Julian Quinones. The pair should continue in their roles here.
The youngster Gilberto Mora got the nod against Ecuador last time out and put in an impressive shift. He too should keep his place.
Mexico squad: Raul Rangel, Carlos Acevedo, Guillermo Ochoa, Israel Reyes, Jesús Gallardo, Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Mateo Chávez, Erik Lira, Luis Romo, Obed Vargas, Brian Gutiérrez, Orbelín Pineda, Edson Álvarez, Gilberto Mora, César Huerta, Álvaro Fidalgo, Luis Chávez, Roberto Alvarado, Alexis Vega, Julián Quiñones, Santiago Gimenez, Guillermo Martínez, Armando González, Raúl Jiménez
England, meanwhile, are sweating over the fitness of Declan Rice, who is expected to be available despite being in “terrible pain” during the win over DR Congo.
Reece James is expected to miss out with a hamstring problem, while another prospective right-back in Jarrell Quansah played no part against Congo due to injury.
There are decisions to be made in attack, too, after Anthony Gordon bagged two assists after coming off the bench to replace Marcus Rashford, while Bukayo Saka will also be pushing for his first start of the summer.
England squad: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Jarell Quansah, Nico O'Reilly, Dan Burn, Djed Spence, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Kobbie Mainoo, Eberechi Eze, Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon
Mexico vs England prediction
As soon as the World Cup groups were drawn last December, boffins realised the potential of England facing Mexico at the Azteca, and it was widely touted as a colossal banana skin.
Mexico have been in rich form this summer and, with tens of thousands of virulent home supporters behind them, will be extremely difficult to beat.
England were not entirely convincing as they left it late to beat Congo, but should have the talent to drown out the noise and get the job done in Mexico City.
England to win 2-1 after extra time.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
This will be the first meeting between these two nations since Peter Crouch, Ledley King and Glen Johnson all scored in a 3-1 friendly win at Wembley in 2010. Veteran shotstopper Guillermo Ochoa was in the squad that day, and will also be present on Sunday.
Mexico wins: 2
England wins: 6
Draws: 1
Mexico vs England match odds
Odds via UK betting sites (subject to change).
