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.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
Mexico vs England is scheduled for a 1am BST kick-off on Monday, July 6, 2026, though this is subject to change. FIFA are currently in talks regarding moving the kick-off time up six hours so as to avoid a weather delay. The match will take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a venue infamous for Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal.
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. UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via BBC iPlayer. Free highlights are available on FIFA's official YouTube channel, along with BBC iPlayer, the ITVX app and their websites.
Team News and Injury Updates
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.
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, according to team sources. 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.
Mexico vs England Prediction
As soon as the World Cup groups were drawn last December, analysts highlighted 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. Prediction: England to win 2-1 after extra time.
Head to Head History
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. Historically, Mexico have 2 wins, England 6 wins, and there has been 1 draw.
Match Odds
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