World Cup

Tuchel feels the energy from Mexico City as England prepare for the match at Azteca

Thomas Tuchel hailed the vibrant energy of Mexico City as England prepare to face Mexico in a crucial knockout match at the Estadio Azteca, highlighting the challenges posed by the venue's altitude and historical significance.

Jul 5, 2026, 11:13 PMAdela Ramos6 lượt xem

Thomas Tuchel has described the energy in Mexico City as electrifying, ahead of England's match against hosts Mexico in the World Cup's last 16 at the Estadio Azteca. To be able to advance to the quarterfinals for the third consecutive time of the tournament, England must overcome a big challenge from Javier Aguirre and the Mexican team. England have won their last four meetings with Mexico, all of which were friendlies between 1986 and 2010. This is only the fourth time England have faced a home team at the World Cup, and they have a mixed record in those matches, with a 2-0 win over Switzerland in 1954, a 0-0 draw with Spain in 1982 and a 2-1 loss to Italy in 1990. Mexico have an impressive record at Azteca, having never lost a World Cup match here (8 wins, 2 draws) and have won their last six matches in a row. This will be the 11th time they have competed at the World Cup at this stadium, making it the venue with the most matches in the tournament's history. Ahead of Mexico's match against Ecuador in the round of 32, their opponents complained that fans were disrupting their preparations by making noise all night outside the team hotel, while their travel plans were also affected. However, the British arrival in Mexico City, at least, went smoothly. "We had no problems last night and I think FIFA took care of the situation," Tuchel said. "We had security around the hotel, so we expected a good night's sleep. "It was even better than I expected. It makes you feel it immediately when you come here and see the excitement and emotion. This will be a real World Cup match. We were in an iconic place, an iconic stadium for a big playoff game. This is a big stage and we feel it. It makes you sharper and brings out the best in you. It makes you feel alive." The stadium's altitude - located at around 2,200 meters above sea level - can also have an effect, as England haven't had enough time to adapt to lower blood oxygen levels and the air composition slightly affects the ball's flight. "We feel it even when we're not training," Tuchel said. "I feel a slight headache throughout the day, for example. The players feel it in the first minutes of training and the longer they go the better they can get through it. "It's just what it is. We can't physically adapt, it's impossible. But we're here a day ago to experience it, at least." England will have to keep a familiar face quiet if they want to go far, with Raul Jimenez having scored more goals against Jordan Pickford than any other goalkeeper during his Premier League spells with Wolves and Fulham (six). The striker, who will play in England's second tier in the 2026-27 season after returning to Wolves, said: "I saw that statistic yesterday. I didn't realize it before. It's really good and I want to continue to increase my tally of goals against him. I will work hard, make it difficult for their defense. For us to win, we need to use every opportunity. "This is always important, not just because it is You. This is a World Cup. If we can play the best match of our lives, it will be great.