The eyes of the football world will be on Estadio Azteca on Sunday night (or for many, the early hours of Monday morning) as Mexico face England in the World Cup 2026 round of 16.
The iconic Mexico City ground has been a fortress for the tournament co-hosts, who haven’t lost in their last 26 matches at the stadium, while injuries and the altitude look set to make the Three Lions’ job an even tougher one.
It is, without doubt, England’s hardest game of the World Cup so far but they came to North America to win the tournament and that was never going to be easy.
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While Thomas Tuchel’s side left it late against DR Congo, Mexico extended their impressive winning run by brushing aside Ecuador in an impressively comfortable win in the round of 32.
The hosts have won every game at the tournament so far and are yet to concede a goal but will they end England’s World Cup dreams?
Radio Times brings you our predictions for Mexico v England at World Cup 2026.
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Mexico v England predictions
England must prepare for a gruelling encounter. With a raucous home crowd and the altitude on their side, Mexico are going to try to fly out of the gates and get after the Three Lions early on.
If Tuchel’s side can weather that storm successfully and even land a few punches of their own in the opening exchanges, then they could pull off one of the great World Cup wins.
This is an England team full of quality and fight. Things are going to get rough at the Azteca but expect their big players to step up again and drag them into the quarter-finals.
Radio Times says… Mexico 1-3 England
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Authors
Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.
