World Cup 2026: What problems could Mexico pose England on the pitch during their last-16 clash?
A lot has been made of the high altitude that England will contend with when they face Mexico but what else could the co-hosts have in store for the Three Lions when they meet in the last 16? Sky Sports' Peter Smith takes a look...
Saturday 4 July 2026 17:56, UK
England are playing at high altitude on Sunday. You may have heard. But what other challenges will Mexico bring to the last-16 World Cup tie?
The location of the Azteca Stadium and the physical demands it will put on Thomas Tuchel's squad have dominated the build-up to this crunch knockout clash in Mexico City.
The late drama about the kick-off time and forecast for storms in the area has added to the focus on the environmental conditions England will face.
Meanwhile, the threat the flying co-hosts carry has received less attention - but should not be underestimated…
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The one to watch
Julian Quinones has been the star of Mexico's tournament so far. And given England's struggles at right-back, they should be very wary of this electric left-winger.
Quinones is Mexico's top scorer with three goals and added to his strike against Ecuador last time out with an assist for Raul Jimenez.
His high-speed running in and out of possession poses a big problem for opposition sides and he loves a shot. Mexico look for him at every opportunity, sending the majority of their attacks down the left flank.
Quinones, 29, plays his club football in the Saudi Pro League for Al Qadsiah, where he is managed by Brendan Rodgers. England have to find a way to stop him.
A wonderkid, a playmaker and a veteran goalscorer
Other notable names in the Mexico line-up include 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora.
He was in from the first whistle for their last-32 win over Ecuador - and just 20 days older than Pele was in 1958, when he set the record for the youngest World Cup knockout game starter.
With three shots in that game, Mora certainly wasn't shy on his chance on the big stage. He created two chances, too.
But Roberto Alvarado is the one who can really pull the strings. He already has three assists - the most by a Mexican player on record (since 1966) at a World Cup.
He tops the Mexico stats for chances created in this tournament and also for defensive line-breaking passes attempted.
Aiming to get on the end of those passes is Raul Jimenez - a striker who needs no introduction to Premier League audiences.
Jimenez has sealed a return to Wolves from Fulham already this summer, so he'll be playing in the Championship next season. But he remains a danger.
Jimenez became the oldest player to score on their first World Cup start when he netted against South Africa, and the 35-year-old is making the most of his chance at this home World Cup.
He's had five headed shots at goal so far - only Germany's Kai Havertz had more - and that underlines his aerial threat, on top of the prospect of him running onto those passes from Alvarado.
A mean defence
Legendary goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has been displaced by Raul Rangel (although the 40-year-old did mark his sixth World Cup with a brief cameo in their final group game). However, Mexico's defence has been watertight so far - they have only allowed six shots on target in their four matches.
Mexico go into the England game looking to become just the second team in World Cup history to keep a clean sheet in their opening five matches, a record set by Italy in 1990.
Only Spain can match them for shutouts in this tournament.
A red card to centre-back Cesar Montes late on in the opener against South Africa didn't derail Mexico, either, with captain Edson Alvarez - of West Ham - filling in or protecting the defence in central midfield during the group stages.
It starts with the high-octane pressing from the front - and when they do get the ball back, Mexico counter quickly.
A team breaking new ground
This is also a Mexico team full of belief and confidence as they hit levels their supporters have been craving for years.
The win over Ecuador was Mexico's first World Cup knockout game win since 1986.
They are fully fit, with no injury worries. They're on a 12-match unbeaten run...
… and then there's the home advantage as well!
If you'd somehow missed it, Mexico have a pretty decent record at the Azteca. Just two defeats in 89 competitive games, in fact.
The 2,240m altitude can leave opponents gasping for breath - but it's just one of the problems England must overcome if they are to keep alive their World Cup dream.
