Mexico vs England LIVE: Watch World Cup 2026 last 16 build-up, prediction, lineups & weather updates

'Quansah back to try and solve England's right-back problem'

Mexico v England (01:00 BST)

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Azteca Stadium

Jarell Quansah is back to try and solve England’s right-back problem position after Djed Spence complained of a muscle niggle on Sunday morning.

Quansah, a central defender by trade with Bayer Leverkusen, stepped in against Panama after Reece James sustained his latest hamstring injury, but was taken off with a problem himself after an hour.

Bukayo Saka comes in for Noni Madueke, while Anthony Gordon is rewarded for his fine impact as a substitute in the last 32 win against DR Congo, when he made a contribution Harry Kane’s two late goals. He replaces Marcus Rashford as their personal battle for the left-flank slot continues.

Declan Rice continues in midfield, although he is still suffering from hamstring and lower back pain.

Team news - Three England changes confirmed

Mexico v England (01:00 BST)

As reported by Sami Mokbel, Thomas Tuchel makes three changes to the England XI from the 2-0 win over DR Congo.

Jarell Quansah starts at right-back with Djed Spence dropping to the bench after complaining of a muscle niggle on Sunday morning.

Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon start over Noni Madueki and Marcus Rashford respectively.

England XI: Pickford, Quansah, Guehi, Konsa, O'Reilly, Rice, Anderson, Saka, Bellingham, Gordon, Kane

Will you stay up or catch up?

Mexico v England (01:00 BST)

The BBC have launched 'Stay Up or Catch Up' for England's game against Mexico.

Our BBC One coverage with Kelly Cates, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Micah Richards starts at 00:00 BST, with 5 Live's build-up starting from 23:45.

In addition, there will also be a full no-spoiler re-run of the game on BBC Two from 07:10 BST, while a full re-run will be available on demand on BBC iPlayer immediately after the match.

get involved

Get Involved

Mexico v England (01:00 BST)

Right, come on then, 'fess up - who's calling sick tomorrow? We wont' grass on you, don't worry.

If you're lucky enough to work somewhere that has kindly given you the day off then let us know. If you've got a strategy for how to get through this one, then let us know that too (asking for a friend).

What snacks have you got on the go? Gallons of coffee? Are you having a party? Or perhaps watching from the comfort of your own bed using toothpicks to keep your eyes open?

Get in touch!

'See England creating enough to get through'

Mexico v England (01:00 BST)

England's ability to acclimatise after only arriving on Friday will definitely play a part in their performance here.

I ran around Mexico City when I was there for the tournament opener and the altitude did not affect me - but then I am a machine.

Mexico's home record in competitive matches is phenomenal too but, on the flip side, England are the toughest opponent they have faced at Azteca Stadium for a long time.

Thomas Tuchel's team thoroughly deserved their win over DR Congo in the last 32.

I am not convinced by them defensively but I can see them creating enough chances to get through this tie too, with Harry Kane taking a couple of them.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

'I back our defenders one-on-one'

Mexico v England (01:00 BST)

Dion Dublin

Former England striker on Football Daily podcast

On whether the England right-back will need help covering Mexico left forward Julian Quinones...

I don't think they have to have support because I think they are good enough to do it. Whether that is Jarell Quansah or Djed Spence, one-on-one they have enough. They are OK to deal with Quinones.

If you've got to get them support, then Bukayo Saka [in the right-wing position] is probably a bit more disciplined, but I would back our defenders as one-on-one defenders.

Kane’s incredible shooting stats

Mexico v England (01:00 BST)

Tom McCoy

BBC Sport journalist

England captain Harry Kane said this week he feels “as good as I’ve ever felt going on to the pitch” and the statistics clearly show he is in the form of his life.

The 32-year-old has scored a remarkable 72 goals in 62 games for club and country since last August. Equally striking, he has outperformed his expected goals tally by 22 – an enormous number. By way of comparison, no player overperformed their xG by more than six in the Premier League season just gone.

Only a select group of genuinely elite finishers have shown they can consistently beat their xG, Kane amongst them. But even by his high standards, his shooting has been especially clinical in 2025-26.

More decisions for Tuchel out wide

Mexico v England (01:00 BST)

While I am expecting England to win, Thomas Tuchel has got a few decisions to make about his team.

Whoever plays at right-back will have to deal with Julian Quinones, who is one of Mexico's dangermen with three goals at this World Cup so far.

Tuchel might get more defensive stability there if he plays Djed Spence but, by doing that, England would probably lose a little bit going forward. It's an area to keep an eye on, whoever plays.

The same applies on the wings, where he has continued to switch players around.

On the left, my feeling is Anthony Gordon did enough when he came on against DR Congo to warrant a starting place this time, but I'm less certain whether Noni Madueke or Bukayo Saka will get the nod on the right.

England's injury woes

Mexico v England (01:00 BST)

Right, let's discuss the actual football for now.

Earlier today we heard that Djed Spence is side lined with an injury, adding further to England's troubles at right-back.

Jarrel Quansah is set to play instead but he has only just returned from an ankle injury himself, suffered in the group win over Panama.

Reece James has missed the past two matches after suffering a hamstring problem late on against Ghana and the 26-year-old is yet to train fully with the squad since the injury - he was the only player absent for Saturday's session in Mexico City.

Filled with confidence, England fans?

Fever pitch at The Azteca

Mexico v England (01:BST)

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at The Azteca Stadium

Four hours before kick-off, choking traffic surrounded the Azteca Stadium and thousands of fans were already here waiting for the gates to open.

The excitement and anticipation is off the scale as Mexico awaits this meeting in the World Cup last 16, where we know the winner will meet Norway in Miami.

As mentioned, there have been a couple of storms so we wait to see how things pan out. Some fairly menacing crowds over and around The Azteca and lightning can be seen in the distance.

Possibility of scattered thunderstorms

Mexico v England (01:00 BST)

Simon King

Lead weather presenter, BBC Weather

The heat won’t be a problem with a temperature of around 17 to 20C but heavy showers will develop through the afternoon in Mexico City.

There’s the possibility of some scattered thunderstorms forming by late afternoon and early evening in the area, close to kick off.

But while there could be a delay or a pause to the match at the start, the shower and thunderstorm risk diminishes as the evening and match goes on.

Weather watch

Mexico v England (01:00 BST)

First things first, the weather.

I have to be honest, it's not looking great folks. It has been chucking it down for quite a while in Mexico City and there is currently a 'shelter in place' order issued in the area of the stadium because of reports of lightning.

That means people around the area are advised to take shelter and stay put. That also means the team arrivals to the stadium have been delayed. By how long, who knows.

I shall try to channel my inner Carol Kirkwood and bring you updates on the weather throughout the night. For now, let's keep all our fingers and toes crossed that the match can go ahead as planned.

It doesn't get bigger than this

Mexico v England (01:00 BST)

Taking on Mexico, in Mexico, for a place in the World Cup quarter-final - it doesn't get much bigger than that for England.

The last time the Three Lions played at the historic Azteca Stadium - one of the most storied arenas in world football - was their iconic quarter-final match against Argentina at the 1986 World Cup. A match remembered for Diego Maradona's 'hand of god' goal.

Combine all that history - and the fact Mexico have lost here twice this century - with the struggles England face with the altitude and the heat. Well, you've got a fascinating contest.

Oh, and on top of that, there's a storm brewing...

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