Sports
England, Mexico Set for World Cup Showdown as Brazil Face Norway
- July 05, 2026
- 3 min read min Read
England and Mexico will battle for a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday in one of the tournament's biggest knockout clashes, while Brazil take on Norway in another last-16 encounter.
Following France and Morocco's qualification for the quarter-finals on Saturday, two more teams will secure places in the last eight after Sunday's matches in Mexico City and New Jersey.
England return to the iconic Estadio Azteca for the first time since the 1986 World Cup, where they were involved in the famous "Hand of God" match against Argentina. This time, Thomas Tuchel's side face a confident Mexican team backed by a passionate home crowd.
The Three Lions have yet to produce their best football in the competition. They needed two late goals from captain Harry Kane to overcome the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 and book their place in the knockout stage.
Despite entering the tournament as one of the favourites, England have struggled for consistency and now face the additional challenge of playing at high altitude, with the Azteca sitting more than 2,200 metres above sea level.
Tuchel admitted the conditions would be difficult, saying there was not enough time for his players to fully adapt. However, he described the stadium as an iconic venue worthy of a major World Cup occasion.
The England manager is also expected to make defensive adjustments after his side showed vulnerability at the back during the group stage and against DR Congo.
Mexico head into the contest in impressive form, having won all four of their matches on home soil without conceding a goal. Their 2-0 victory over Ecuador ended a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout win, and another historic result would see them eliminate one of the tournament favourites.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre dismissed suggestions that the altitude would decide the outcome, insisting the match would be settled by the performances of the players on the pitch. He nevertheless acknowledged England's quality and experience, describing them as a physically strong team filled with top-level talent.
The winner of the encounter will advance to a quarter-final in Miami against either Brazil or Norway.
In the day's other last-16 fixture, five-time world champions Brazil face Norway at MetLife Stadium, where much of the attention will focus on Norwegian striker Erling Haaland.
The Manchester City forward has been one of the tournament's standout performers, scoring five goals in three appearances.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed confidence that his defenders are well prepared to deal with Haaland, noting that several members of his back line have faced the prolific striker regularly at club level.
Norway coach Stale Solbakken, meanwhile, urged his players not to be overwhelmed by the occasion. While acknowledging Brazil's status as favourites, he believes the gap between the two teams is not as significant as it was in previous years and is confident Norway can compete for a place in the quarter-finals.
Latest Posts
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
NDC Reps Candidate Wiper Attends Niece’s Wedding in France
July 26, 2026 New -
5