Riot police have been deployed to guard England’s hotel in Mexico City as 17,000 officers are put on duty for the World Cup last-16 clash — a security operation authorities described as the biggest ever seen for an England football match. The heightened measures come as the team prepares to face Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, but the drama extends far beyond one fixture.
Just hours earlier, another last-16 showdown in New York will see Norway’s Erling Haaland and Brazil’s Gabriel Magalhaes renew a bitter feud that erupted in the Premier League last season. Haaland has scored five goals in three World Cup games, while Gabriel remains the immovable rock of Brazil’s defence. The winners of that match could face England in the next round, adding further edge to an already explosive weekend.
“Riot police guard England hotel as 17,000 officers deployed; Haaland and Gabriel feud simmering ahead of World Cup last-16.”
The tension between Haaland and Gabriel first ignited during a crucial Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal. After scoring a dramatic late equaliser, Haaland threw the ball directly at the back of the Brazilian defender’s head. In post-match interviews, Haaland brushed off the severity, describing the clash as a normal part of football: “What happens on the pitch is a battle or a war,” he said, claiming such acts are standard.
Gabriel was furious. He publicly warned he would be waiting for Haaland in the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium. True to his word, when Arsenal dismantled Pep Guardiola’s side 5-1, the defender took his revenge — though the exact nature of that retaliation remains part of the lore between them.
Now, on the World Cup stage, both men will carry that history into Sunday’s match. Meanwhile, England’s players will step out under the watch of 17,000 officers, with the prospect of meeting either Brazil or Norway looming. The question is not just who wins — but whether old scores settle or ignite further.