More than 100 riot police in bullet-proof vests are guarding the hotel where England are staying in Mexico City ahead of their World Cup last-16 match against Mexico. The team received a hostile reception upon arrival, with hundreds of fans booing and chanting “Mexico” outside the hotel in Santa Fe.
Massive Security Operation
Mexican authorities have confirmed that 17,000 police officers will be on duty across Mexico City on Sunday, with 7,500 deployed specifically to the Azteca stadium for the match scheduled to kick off at 6pm local time (1am Monday BST). According to The Sunday Telegraph, this is the biggest security operation ever seen for an England football match.
Around 200 locals were near the hotel on Saturday, which is protected by a fence and officers from the Guardia Nacional. A police dog and drone are also being used, and the England team bus remains parked outside.
Background and Fan Tactics
England had hoped to keep their location secret after Mexican supporters used loudspeakers, horns, and motorcycles to disrupt Ecuador’s players before their last-32 tie, which Mexico won 2-0. However, hundreds of fans had already gathered when England’s coach arrived.
England captain Harry Kane acknowledged the late kick-off time, saying: “Obviously it’s good news that the pubs are staying open for the fans. We know how much the World Cup means to everyone and all the fans at home, so I’m hoping there will be a few all-nighters to be honest, just going all the way through and celebrating until the next day and then catch up on some sleep after that.” He added: “I think everyone would love nothing more than to be celebrating as the sun’s rising at 5 or 6am.”
Storm Concerns and Kick-off Time
The match is set to proceed as planned despite storm forecasts prompting discussions about bringing the game forward. Pub landlords in the UK had been waiting for news from Fifa, with emergency legislation passed by Sir Keir Starmer allowing premises to stay open late for the match.
On Friday evening, Fifa sources indicated no decision was made to reschedule the game, and stakeholders will continue monitoring relevant factors. Potential storm conditions had led to reports of an earlier kick-off at 12pm local time (7pm UK time on Sunday).
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer cheered on England, saying: “Mexico are a tough side to beat but we have a squad that knows what it takes to win. After the false hope of an earlier night, I know fans across the country will be staying up late to get behind the England team. And thanks to our change to pub licensing, they will be able to do that at their local, all through the early hours. Come on England!”
