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World Cup 2026: Mexico rampant at Azteca - could England be next in last 16? - BBC Sport

Mexico's impressive performance at the Azteca Stadium raises questions about England's prospects in the last 16 of the World Cup 2026. The stage is set for an exciting showdown.

Mexico secured a spot in the last 16 of the World Cup with a commanding victory over Ecuador, setting the stage for a potential clash against England. Following the match, fans were already looking ahead to the possibility of facing England at the iconic Azteca Stadium.

Looking Ahead to England

England is set to face a challenging match against DR Congo later on Wednesday. Should they prevail, they will encounter a formidable opponent in Mexico, who have been in exceptional form throughout the tournament. With four wins from four matches, Mexico has scored eight goals and has yet to concede any. This impressive performance has sparked optimism among their supporters, with one fan expressing, "We have the chance to do the impossible."

Mexico's Stronghold at Azteca

Historically, Mexico has struggled to advance past the quarter-finals in World Cup history, but their current momentum and their record at the Azteca Stadium make a deep run seem feasible. The team boasts an impressive home record of 70 wins in 89 competitive matches at the Azteca, along with 17 draws and only two losses. They remain unbeaten in their last 10 World Cup games at this venue, which poses a significant challenge for any team that faces them there. Former Australia and Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou remarked, "If it will be England going down to Mexico, it's going to be like stepping into a different World Cup for them."

Celebration and Excitement

The atmosphere surrounding Mexico's victory was electric, with celebrations erupting not only in Mexico but also in cities like Los Angeles, where a large Mexican community gathered to watch the match. After a weather delay, Mexico quickly took control of the game, with Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scoring before halftime. Fans expressed their excitement, with one stating, "This is by far the best performance we have seen from the Mexican team in a long time. It is a great year to be Mexican and a great year to see the World Cup."

As Mexico looks forward to the possibility of facing England, the excitement surrounding their World Cup journey continues to grow, with fans hopeful for what lies ahead.

Source: bbc.com