A storm delayed the kick-off, lightning streaked across the sky, and then Mexico blew Ecuador away 2-0 in front of a jubilant crowd at the Azteca Stadium. For England, watching from afar, the message was clear: if they beat DR Congo in their last-32 tie, they will have to face a team that has not conceded a single goal in four World Cup matches and has lost only two of its last 89 competitive games at this stadium. That is the scale of the challenge.
Mexico entered the World Cup as co-hosts alongside Canada and the United States. In the group stage and the round of 32, they have now won all four games, scoring eight goals and conceding none. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored the first-half goals that defeated Ecuador, a result that also saw Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie sent off in injury time. Manager Javier Aguirre's side now await the winner of the England-DR Congo match in the last 16.
“Why Mexico’s World Cup form and Azteca fortress spell trouble for England.”
The Azteca Stadium in Mexico City has long been a daunting venue for visiting teams. Mexico's competitive record there stands at 70 wins from 89 matches, with 17 draws and only two defeats. They are also unbeaten in ten World Cup games played at the stadium. The venue has hosted two World Cup finals and was the site of the infamous Hand of God match in 1986. For Mexico's opponents, the atmosphere is famously intense: former Australia and Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou described it as "stepping into a different World Cup".
For England fans, a potential last-16 meeting with Mexico at the Azteca could be the toughest test of the tournament so far. England's squad includes Ballon d'Or favourite Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, but they would have to overcome not only a confident Mexico side but also the historical weight of the stadium. Many Mexico fans already believe their team has a chance to "do the impossible" against England, as one supporter put it. The game would be played on Sunday night, back at the Azteca.
Q: How strong is Mexico's recent form at this World Cup? Mexico have won all four of their World Cup matches so far, scoring eight goals and conceding none. They beat Ecuador 2-0 in the round of 32, with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez, and have already topped their group.
Q: Why is the Azteca Stadium considered such a tough place to play? Mexico's competitive record at the Azteca is 70 wins, 17 draws and only two defeats. They are unbeaten in ten World Cup games there. The stadium's altitude, size and passionate crowd create a hostile atmosphere that has troubled many teams.
Q: What would a Mexico vs England match mean for both teams? If England beat DR Congo, they would face Mexico in the last 16. Mexico have never gone beyond the quarter-finals of the World Cup, but their current form and fortress-like home record make them a serious threat. England would have to cope with the intimidating setting and a team playing with huge momentum.
What happens next: England face DR Congo in their round of 32 match on Wednesday evening. If they win, they will play Mexico in the last 16 on Sunday night at the Azteca Stadium. Mexico will already be preparing, and their fans are dreaming of a historic run.