England face Mexico in the World Cup round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. The Three Lions are looking to overcome one of the most formidable records in international football: Mexico have lost only two of their last 89 competitive matches at their high-altitude fortress in Mexico City, which sits more than 2,000 metres above sea level. The last defeat at the Azteca came in September 2013, highlighting the scale of the challenge for Thomas Tuchel's side against a host nation backed by a passionate home crowd.
England's Path to the Quarter-Finals
If England prevail, they would secure a quarter-final spot for the third consecutive World Cup. That match would take place on July 11 at Miami Stadium, with a 10pm BST kick-off on a Saturday night. Their opponents would be either Brazil or Norway, who play each other earlier on Sunday in New Jersey, with a 9pm BST start.
Potential Opponents: Brazil
A meeting with Brazil would be the first between the two sides at a World Cup since the 2002 quarter-finals, when Michael Owen's opening goal was cancelled out by Rivaldo and Ronaldinho's famous free-kick lob over David Seaman. Ronaldinho was later sent off as Brazil won 2-1 en route to their record fifth title. Since then, the nations have met six times in friendlies, with teenage sensation Endrick scoring his first senior Brazil goal in a 1-0 win at Wembley ahead of Euro 2024. At this World Cup, Brazil topped Group C after victories over Haiti and Scotland, following a tough opening draw with Morocco. In the last 32, Carlo Ancelotti's side needed a last-gasp winner from Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli to complete a stunning comeback against Japan.
Potential Opponents: Norway
Norway finished as runners-up in Group I behind France, with Erling Haaland in top form. They beat Iraq and Senegal before being brushed aside by Les Bleus after Stale Solbakken made sweeping changes with progression already secured, on Norway's first World Cup appearance since 1998. Haaland scored a late winner to down Ivory Coast in the last 32, setting up a showdown with Brazil. England have never played Norway at a major tournament and have faced them only twice in friendlies this century, winning 1-0 at Wembley in 2014 and in Oslo in 2012. Brazil have not beaten Norway in four previous meetings.
England's Last 32 Victory
England reached the round of 16 after a dramatic 2-1 win over DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, with captain Harry Kane scoring a late brace to save his side from a disastrous upset. Kane's heroics kept England's hopes alive as they now prepare for the daunting task at the Azteca.
