Times of San Diego will offer match previews of U.S. and Mexico games during the World Cup. For more, see our 2026 World Cup Guide to local watch parties.
Match: Mexico vs. England
When: 5 p.m., Sunday
How to watch: Fox5 San Diego, Telemundo and FOX One.
After breaking its 40-year knockout round curse with a thrilling 2-0 victory over Ecuador, El Tri looks to continue its World Cup run on Sunday at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City versus perennial powerhouse England.
England is a slight favorite, but that is the exact position El Tri likes to be in – playing the role of underdog, especially in front of the home fans. There already have been several upsets in the World Cup, including the biggest when Paraguay knocked out Germany on penalty kicks. Could Mexico pull off another? This has the makings of an instant classic.
Mexico
Mexico’s victory turned it into just the third team in World Cup history to win the first four matches of the tournament by shutout, joining Brazil (1986) and Italy (1990), though neither of those teams won their respective World Cups. Of the two, Italy finished highest, in third.
Strengths: Mexico’s defensive performance has been one for the ages, including the excellent showing between the posts by goalkeeper Raúl “Tala” Rangel. The attack has been very efficient with forwards Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, who have developed a strong chemistry. Midfielder Gilberto Mora has been a bright spot, becoming the second-youngest player ever to start a World Cup knockout stage match at 17 years and 259 days old. Who’s first? Brazilian legend Pelé who was 20 days younger than Mora in the 1958 World Cup.
Keep an eye on: England’s conditioning. The altitude at Estadio Azteca continues to benefit Mexico, led by head coach Javier Aguirre, as El Tri breaks down opponents with mounting pressure. Mexico also will look to come out strong, just like it did against Ecuador, by putting England on the backfoot and testing goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
England
Strengths: England is known as a team with great technical ability, but also one with a talented midfield which can take advantage of any turnover or mistake and turn it into a clear scoring opportunity. The Three Lions already have been put to the test, not just during the first knockout game, a 2-1 win over DR Congo, but also during group stage play in a hard-fought draw against Ghana.
Keep an eye on: Mexico’s backline will have its hands full with the likes of forward Harry Kane, who has already scored five goals during the World Cup, including two late ones in the second half against DR Congo. That brace also lifted his career total to 13 World Cup goals, allowing Kane to surpass Pelé’s tally of 12.
