Mexico City is experiencing an unprecedented wave of World Cup fever as the national team, El Tri, prepares to face England in a highly anticipated last-16 match. The city's streets and bars are abuzz with excitement, and expectations are soaring among fans who believe their team can triumph.
Record-Breaking Fan Turnout
An estimated 1.4 million people watched Mexico's victory over Ecuador on outdoor screens, a significant increase from the 400,000 who turned out for the opening match against South Africa. The win secured Mexico's first knockout-stage victory since 1986, igniting celebrations across the city. Tragically, four people died in a crush during the celebrations, prompting calls for tightened safety measures.
Shirt sellers are doing brisk business around the Zócalo, the main square, with demand for Mexico jerseys surpassing that of any other team at the tournament. "We feel we are going to win," says Francisco, a fan walking along Avenida 5 de Mayo. "Mexico will play a game like the previous one and they are going to beat England."
The Azteca Advantage
England will face a formidable 12th man at the Estadio Azteca, known for its electrifying atmosphere. "Playing there is pure energy," says Charles, a fan near the Zócalo. "The Azteca has something magical. It brings us a lot of luck." The stadium's altitude and passionate crowds have historically posed challenges for visiting teams, a factor that England manager Thomas Tuchel has highlighted as a disadvantage.
Fans are confident that the Azteca factor will play a crucial role. "You're going to have a stadium entirely full of Mexicans going crazy for their national team," says Marco, a taxi driver. "It's very difficult to play against a whole nation."
National Unity and Personal Stories
The tournament has brought a sense of unity to Mexico City. "On the day of the game, we are all family," says Angie, who is walking with her partner Charles. For many, the World Cup is intertwined with personal significance. Principia, from Quintana Roo, explains that her grandmother died on the day of the South Africa match. After the traditional nine-day mourning period, she and her cousins decided to travel to Mexico City to experience the tournament together. "We took all the tears and emotion from grandma, who we felt was uniting us from beyond," she recalls.
The excitement is palpable even in fashionable neighborhoods like La Roma. Pablo, a Manchester United fan, notes that belief in the team has grown with each win. "With previous Mexican teams there was a little bit of doubt, but we've been able to have more faith in the team," he says. He highlights the performance of 17-year-old prodigy Gilberto Mora, who impressed against Ecuador, and hopes he will move abroad to continue developing.
England's Arrival in the Pulsating Heart of the Tournament
England will arrive in Mexico City to find a city gripped by football fever. Local television commentators have already welcomed Harry Kane and his teammates to the "bubbling cauldron" that awaits. The match is expected to break records for fan attendance and viewership, with many predicting a fiercely contested encounter.
Even those who are not avid football fans acknowledge the magnitude of the occasion. "I don't watch a lot of football," admits Marco, "but if Mexico wins, fine; if England wins, OK. I think they're both playing very well." Yet he concedes the power of the Azteca: "It's very difficult to play against a whole nation."
With safety measures being reviewed and the city buzzing with anticipation, all eyes are on Sunday's clash. As Alejandra, a fan at the Zócalo fan festival, says: "We are very anxious. We know England will come here very strong. But obviously we all trust Mexico."
