Mexico is set to host England in a highly anticipated Round of 16 match at the World Cup on Tuesday afternoon at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. PDT, with the game broadcast on Fox and Telemundo.

El Tri advanced to this stage with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador, marking their first knockout stage win since 1986, the last occasion the World Cup was held in Mexico. Mexico has maintained a strong defensive record in the tournament, having yet to concede a goal and averaging two goals per game. The team will seek to secure a place in the quarterfinals for the first time in nearly four decades, relying on the support of a passionate home crowd at Azteca Stadium, which has historically been a fortress; Mexico has lost just twice in 89 matches there, the most recent official defeat coming in 2013.

England progressed after a dramatic last-15-minute comeback against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with striker Harry Kane scoring both goals. Kane has been England’s leading scorer in the tournament with five goals. England’s path, however, is challenged by the altitude of Mexico City—about 7,350 feet above sea level—and the anticipated intense atmosphere favoring the home team. England coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the altitude as a significant hurdle, though he noted the team has adapted to heat and humidity during preparations in the United States.

Both teams have expressed awareness of the physical demands posed by the venue. England’s Marcus Rashford emphasized the importance of teamwork and adapting to varied playing conditions, while defender Marc Guehi described the match as a significant challenge, calling Mexico the likely favorite given their home advantage.

Mexico’s defensive unit has drawn praise, credited in part to assistant coach Rafa Márquez, a former Barcelona player. Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa highlighted the threat posed by England’s aerial attackers, including Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham, and stressed the necessity of leveraging home conditions to maintain Mexico’s solid form.

In the days leading up to the match, FIFA briefly considered moving the kickoff to noon local time due to concerns over thunderstorms and security following the death of four Mexico fans during postgame celebrations earlier in the tournament. Both teams opposed the change, and Mexican authorities assured adequate security measures, resulting in FIFA maintaining the original start time.

Mexico’s head coach, Javier Aguirre, who previously led Mexico to knockout round exits in 2002 and 2010, expressed optimism about the team’s progress, aiming to sustain momentum and deliver a complete performance on home soil. Forward Raúl Jiménez also expressed confidence, highlighting the team’s belief in competing on equal terms regardless of the opposing goalkeeper.

A victory against England would be historic for Mexico, marking the first time they have defeated a former world champion in a knockout-stage match and continuing a streak after their recent win over Ecuador in the round of 32. Past wins over world champions France in 2010 and Germany in 2018 occurred in group play but not in elimination rounds.

Midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo described the opportunity to play this match at Azteca Stadium as a dream scenario and urged his teammates to rise to the occasion as Mexico seeks to equate or surpass the achievements of its 1970 and 1986 World Cup teams.