When England face Mexico in the World Cup round of 16, they will be playing at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — a stadium that sits 2,200 metres above sea level. For players used to sea level, that thin air can be a shock to the system.
At altitude, the air contains less oxygen. This means that during exercise, the body struggles to deliver enough oxygen to muscles, causing players to tire more quickly. Dr. James Morton, a sport scientist at Liverpool John Moores University, explains that the immediate effect is a drop in what's called "maximal aerobic power" — essentially, the ability to sustain high-intensity running. "At 2,200m, you can expect about a 10-15% reduction in performance for repeated sprints," he says. "It's like running with a mild cold."
“Why playing football at high altitude affects players and what it means for England's World Cup match.”
The symptoms are often felt within the first few minutes. Players report heavy legs, rapid breathing and a sensation of not being able to keep up. The effect is worse for those who haven't acclimatised: it takes about 10-14 days of living at altitude for the body to adapt by producing more red blood cells. England arrived in Mexico only a few days before the match, so they will be at a clear disadvantage.
Mexico, on the other hand, are used to playing at this altitude. Several of their players ply their trade in the Mexican league, where matches are routinely played at similar heights. This home advantage is well known: teams from lowland countries often struggle when visiting the Azteca. In World Cup qualifiers, Mexico have a famously strong record at home, partly because opponents find it hard to breathe.
For UK readers, this is not just a trivia point. England will likely face more altitude challenges in future tournaments, especially if World Cup hosting bids from high-altitude nations (like Bolivia, Ecuador or parts of Colombia) are successful. Understanding how altitude works helps fans appreciate why certain results happen — and why managers might rotate squads or change tactics.
Altitude isn't the only factor, of course. The ball also moves differently: at 2,200m, the air is less dense, so the ball travels faster and swerves less. This can affect passing, shooting and goalkeeping. Free kicks become more dangerous, and long-range shots are more likely to dip unexpectedly. Teams often talk about adjusting their style to account for this.
Q: What is altitude sickness in football? Altitude sickness is a set of symptoms caused by low oxygen at high elevations. In football, it typically means players feel dizzy, nauseous or exhausted more quickly than usual. It can hit even fit athletes within minutes of intense exercise.
Q: Can players train to cope with altitude? Yes. The most common method is altitude training — either living at altitude for weeks before the match, or using hypoxic tents that simulate thin air. Some teams also arrive just before kick-off to minimise time spent in the stressful environment, though this is less effective.
Q: Does FIFA have rules about altitude? FIFA has banned international matches above 2,500 metres for health reasons, after concerns about player safety. The Azteca at 2,200m is just under that limit, so it remains a legal but challenging venue.
The match against Mexico will be a test of England's preparation and adaptability. Whether they can overcome the thin air remains to be seen — but the science of altitude will be a key storyline, not just now, but for any future England game played high above sea level.