With two late goals from Harry Kane, England snatched a 2-1 win over DR Congo in Atlanta to reach the last 16 of the World Cup, keeping alive hopes of a third major tournament final in a decade. The Three Lions now face a daunting trip to the Azteca Stadium to play co-hosts Mexico, who have won all four of their games so far without conceding a goal.
The knockout stage of the World Cup is a single-elimination bracket. After the group phase, the top two teams from each of the eight groups advance to the last 16. England finished second in their group, setting up this tie. The winners of each last-16 match progress to the quarter-finals, then the semi-finals, and finally the final. England's section of the draw also includes five-time winners Brazil and Norway, led by Erling Haaland.
“England's World Cup knockout path after reaching the last 16, including Mexico tie and potential opponents.”
Mexico's record at the Azteca is formidable: 70 wins, 17 draws and only two defeats in 89 competitive matches, and they are unbeaten in 10 World Cup games there. The stadium sits more than 7,000 feet above sea level, which can cause shortness of breath and fatigue for visiting players. England's captain Harry Kane, who scored his 71st and 72nd international goals in the comeback, will be key to overcoming these challenges.
For UK readers, this is a classic World Cup drama: England trailing early, a captain's rescue act, and a looming clash with a host nation in an iconic, high-altitude stadium. The match will be played in the early hours (01:00 BST on Monday, 6 July) and broadcast live on BBC TV, radio and online. A win would set up a quarter-final in Miami against either Brazil or Norway, with Vinicius Jr and Erling Haaland lying in wait.
Q: Who does England play next in the World Cup? England face Mexico in the last 16 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Mexico are the tournament co-hosts and are ranked ninth in the world.
Q: When is England vs Mexico in the World Cup last 16? The match kicks off at 01:00 BST on Monday, 6 July. It will be shown live on BBC TV, radio and online.
Q: Who could England play in the quarter-finals if they beat Mexico? The winner of England vs Mexico will face either Brazil or Norway in the quarter-finals, which will be played in Miami. Brazil are five-time winners, while Norway have Erling Haaland up front.
What happens next is clear: England travel to Mexico City for a high-stakes last-16 tie. If they win, a potential quarter-final against Brazil or Norway awaits. The tournament's knockout bracket is unforgiving, but with Kane in this form, England have a captain who has hauled them back from the brink before.