Co-hosts Mexico are eager to continue their impressive run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they take on England in their round of 16 clash early Monday morning in Mexico City.
Mexico have played four out of their five games at the iconic Azteca Stadium, and they will hope to maintain their streak at their home ground. They have never lost a World Cup game here before, winning eight and drawing twice.
Javier Aguirre’s side have won every match they have played at this World Cup, stretching their winning run to seven games. They have also not conceded a single goal throughout the tournament.
They face an England side who are also unbeaten in the tournament, only dropping points in a barren draw against Ghana in the group stage. The Three Lions have averaged two goals a game so far and are under pressure to go all the way for a first title since 1966.
England bowed out in the quarterfinals in the 2022 World Cup after finishing in fourth place in Russia 2018.
Mexico on the other hand have not made it past the round of 16 since 1986, but are favorites to maintain their perfect record in the competition with home advantage in their favor.
The Three Lions have been dependent on talisman Harry Kane, who became England’s all-time goalscorer in the World Cup. The captain’s brace was enough to eliminate Congo 2-1 in the round of 32.
With both history and recent form in their favor, Mexico are expected to put up a fight here against Thomas Tuchel’s side. Will that be enough to see them through to the quarterfinals or can England kill the co-hosts World Cup dream here?
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Here is our predicted outcome of the highly anticipated match.
What time does Mexico vs England start?
The match kicks off at 3AM E.A.T at the Azteca Stadium
Mexico vs England team news
The hosts have no injury concerns ahead of the knockout clash and are expected to field their strongest available XI here.
Goalkeeper Raul Rangel has kept four clean sheets, the best record in the tournament and he will start in goal – well defended by center back pairing of Cesar Montes and Johan Vasquez.
Erik Lira has been solid in midfield and will retain his starting role, with Luis Romo and Gilberto Mora providing attacking options on the flanks.
Julian Quinones and veteran forward Raul Jimenez were both on target in the 2-0 win against Ecuador and will lead the attacking line for the Mexicans.
As for England, Tuchel has been under pressure to make changes to his starting XI but none have been seen so far. Djed Spence was the only change following injuries to both Reece James and Jarell Quansah.
Declan Rice is being assessed after a minor knock against Congo, if he is not fit to start, many are asking if it will be finally time to give Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo his debut at the World Cup.
Arsenal duo of Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze came off the bench and made a huge difference to the England attack and could be handed starts here, with Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke relegated to the bench after a couple of unconvincing performances.
Kane will continue to lead the attacking line as he looks to add to the five goals he has scored in four World Cup matches so far.
Mexico vs England head-to-head and current form
The hosts come into the game on a seven-game winning streak, and are unbeaten in their last 12 international matches. They definitely boast the better record coming into this crucial tie.
The Three Lions are unbeaten in their last six games – winning five of them. They are seeking a third straight victory here.
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These sides have not played against each other since 2010, when England beat Mexico 3-1 in an international friendly. England have never lost a match against Mexico.
Current form:
Mexico – WWWWW
England – WWDWW
Mexico vs England previous games
- England 3-1 Mexico (May 24, 2010)
- England 4-0 Mexico (May 25, 2001)
- England 2-0 Mexico (March 29, 1997)
- England 2-0 Mexico (June 16, 1966)
Mexico vs England prediction
With the form that the Mexicans bring into the game, they should be highly considered as favorites coming into this game. They have been resolute defensively and with England’s shortcomings in front of goal, this could be a decisive factor in this match.
However, England have never lost to Mexico and with the pressure of an entire nation on their shoulders, we ca expect a full-blown fight from both sides here.
Prediction – Mexico to win or draw (1X) – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!