Mexico City is experiencing an extraordinary wave of World Cup enthusiasm as the national team, El Tri, prepares for a pivotal last-16 match against England. The city's streets, particularly around the vast Zócalo square, are thronged with fans and shirt sellers, with demand for the national jersey reportedly surpassing that of any other team at the tournament. The atmosphere, already electric in a metropolis known for its constant bustle, has reached a fever pitch following Mexico's dramatic victory over Ecuador in the round of 32.
That win, secured on Tuesday night, marked Mexico's first knockout-stage success since 1986 and ignited celebrations across the country. An estimated 1.4 million people gathered to watch the match on outdoor screens in Mexico City alone, despite a severe pre-match storm that delayed kick-off by an hour. The turnout was a significant increase from the 400,000 who watched the team's opening win against South Africa. Tragically, the celebrations were marred by a crush that left four people dead and dozens injured, underscoring the immense scale of the public gatherings.
The upcoming encounter with England carries deep historical resonance. The two sides have met twice before in the World Cup, with Mexico winning 1-0 in group play in 1966 and England prevailing 3-0 in the group stage in 1970. For many Mexican fans, the match represents an opportunity to measure their team's progress against a traditional football power. Francisco, a fan walking along Avenida 5 de Mayo, expressed the prevailing sentiment: «We feel we are going to win. It's going to be difficult but we are all very motivated. Mexico will play a game like the previous one and they are going to beat England.»
The England team, managed by Thomas Tuchel, will arrive in Mexico City to find a cauldron of noise and expectation. The match is scheduled for a late kick-off, with some schools in the UK planning to open late to accommodate students who stayed up to watch the game. Tuchel himself has encouraged parents to let children watch the match, saying they should «write an excuse for school and let them watch.» The fixture has also generated interest beyond the pitch, with Mexico's manager Javier Aguirre making a light-hearted plea for a supply of his favourite Scotch whisky, Lagavulin, which he claims is his «secret weapon» and has run out of ahead of the game.
The Estadio Azteca, a venue steeped in World Cup folklore, will host the match. It was the site of the famous «Hand of God» goal by Diego Maradona in 1986, a moment that still resonates in football history. For Mexico, the current campaign has already surpassed expectations. The team's performance against Ecuador was described as a night of «almost unparalleled fervour» even by the standards of the iconic stadium. The victory has galvanised a nation that has long yearned for success on the global stage, and the sense of possibility is palpable.
Beyond the immediate match, the World Cup has transformed Mexico City into a focal point of the tournament. The city hosted the opening game three weeks ago and has since become a hub for fans from around the world. The combination of passionate local support, vibrant street culture, and high-stakes football has created an atmosphere that organisers and players alike have described as unique. For England, the challenge will be not only to overcome a resurgent Mexican side but also to perform under the intense pressure of a crowd that will be overwhelmingly against them.
As the teams finalise their preparations, the streets of Mexico City continue to buzz with anticipation. Shirt sellers report that the green jersey has outsold all others at this World Cup, a testament to the wave of national pride sweeping the country. Whether El Tri can convert that support into a victory over England remains to be seen, but for now, the city is united in belief. The match promises to be a defining moment for both teams, with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals and a step closer to World Cup glory.
