England Face Mexico in 2026 World Cup Last 16
Ethan Moore 
Key Takeaways:
- England defeated DR Congo 2-1 to reach the World Cup last 16.
- The Three Lions will play co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.
- Potential quarter-final opponents include five-time winners Brazil or Erling Haaland's Norway.
England have advanced to the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after overcoming a scare to defeat DR Congo in their first knockout fixture. Thomas Tuchel's side fell behind before captain Harry Kane rescued the team, scoring twice in the final 15 minutes to secure a 2-1 victory. The win moves England one step closer to a third major tournament final this decade, setting up a clash with tournament co-hosts Mexico on Monday, 6 July.
The Formidable Test at the Azteca
England face a daunting task against Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium, a venue sitting more than 7,000 feet above sea level. The altitude poses a physical challenge, potentially causing fatigue and shortness of breath for unaccustomed players. Mexico boast an exceptional competitive record at the stadium, claiming 70 wins, 17 draws, and just two defeats in 89 games, alongside a 10-match unbeaten run in World Cup fixtures there, a key factor for those analyzing World Cup betting odds.
Ranked ninth in the world, Mexico enter the knockout stage in flawless tournament form. They have won all four of their matches, scoring eight goals without conceding a single time. Their unbeaten streak stretches to 13 competitive fixtures, dating back to a November 2024 defeat by Honduras in the Concacaf Nations League, a region that also features popular CONCACAF Gold Cup betting. In their last-32 match against Ecuador, Mexico established a two-goal lead within half an hour against a typically resolute defence.
Potential Route to the Final
Should England progress past Mexico, they will travel to Miami for a quarter-final on 11 July against either Brazil or Norway. Five-time winners Brazil topped Group C but required an injury-time winner from Gabriel Martinelli to beat Japan 2-1 in the last 32. Norway presents a significant attacking threat through Erling Haaland, who has scored five goals in three tournament appearances, including a late winner in their 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, a team familiar to those following Africa Cup of Nations betting.
Looking further ahead, a semi-final in Atlanta on 15 July could feature a matchup against Argentina. The defending champions won all three group games, driven by Lionel Messi, who has tallied five goals in the month he turned 39. If England reach the final in New Jersey on 19 July, they will face a team from the opposite half of the draw, which includes heavyweights such as 2018 winners France, 2010 victors Spain, and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco.
