2026 FIFA World Cup: Round of 16 – Mexico vs England

Tournament co-hosts, Mexico face England in a blockbuster Round of 16 tie at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Mexico are chasing a first Quarter-Final appearance since 1986, whilst England are targeting a third consecutive Quarter-Final appearance in the World Cup since their Group-Stage exit in 2014.

 

Team News

Mexico have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the Round of 32, although Julian Quinones could have his game time managed due to a knock suffered in that match.

England could again be without Reece James and Jarell Quansah due to respective hamstring and ankle injuries, which kept them out of recent games – including their 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Mexico face England at Estadio Azteca, Mexico, on Sunday 5 July at 6pm CST (1am BST, Monday 6 July), live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Mexico lost 2-0 against England in their only previous meeting at a World Cup in 1966 – which was hosted and won by England.
• England are playing Mexico away at a World Cup for the first time.
• Mexico are yet to lose a World Cup match at the Estadio Azteca (W8, D2).
• No Mexico player has been involved in more goals at this tournament than Julian Quinones (4), having produced three goals and one assist in four appearances.
• England’s Jordan Pickford has conceded three goals in four appearances at this tournament.

 

Prediction

Having largely cruised through to this stage without a proper test of their quality, Mexico now are about to discover the ceiling of their potential and quality because they will need to be sharp and focused if they’re to break down England’s shaky defence.

England however showed grit and determination to grind out their comeback over DR Congo whilst riding their luck after a sloppy start in terms of marking on a quick direct attack, so now need to to use that performance as a base to be better and more defensively disciplined.

Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions also must treat this match like they’re underdogs and use the hostile atmosphere as motivation – especially given Mexico’s fierce record at the Azteca, but I can see this being decided by a late England winner given that they have the experience of tricky tests.

Prediction: Mexico 1-2 England