England Has Three Days to Prepare for Mexico Match at 2,240-Meter Azteca Stadium

Thomas Tuchel said it is impossible for England to adapt to the altitude at Azteca Stadium before their World Cup round-of-16 match against Mexico. ESPN reported that the game is scheduled for Sunday in Mexico City at the 2,240-meter venue. England reached the round of 16 after defeating Congo DR 2-1 in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Brian Cipenga gave Congo DR the lead in the seventh minute, but Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes. Kane now has 13 World Cup goals, five of them at the 2026 tournament. England are based in Kansas City and will return there on Wednesday before flying to Mexico City on Friday afternoon.

Tuchel noted that the team has only three days between matches and cannot physically adjust to the thinner air in that time. Mexico have played all their World Cup matches at high altitude, including three at the Azteca and one in Guadalajara at roughly 5,000 feet. Tuchel said England completed heat training during a pre-tournament camp in Florida and will not face problems from heat or humidity.

Ecuador filed an official complaint with FIFA after fireworks were set off outside their Mexico City hotel the night before their match against Mexico. Tuchel said England must deal with additional obstacles such as travel and potential noise but stated the team is prepared.