Mexico vs England World Cup 2026 preview, team news and prediction

View Image

After coming from behind to secure their spot in the round of 16, England now face the challenge of altitude as the Three Lions prepare to face co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium this weekend.

The bookies are urging on the side of the caution in this one with Thomas Tuchel's side the slight favourites at 11/8 with Sky Bet while Mexico are 2/1 with William Hill and a draw after 90 minutes is 21/10 with Paddy Power . You can also find more betting offers at the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers .

Mexico are starting to feel this could be their tournament as they prepare for a fifth straight match on home soil and a fourth at the Mexico City Stadium. Javier Aguirre’s side were flawless in the group stage, taking nine points from wins over South Africa, Czechia and Korea Republic to post their best-ever opening phase at a World Cup.

Belief is growing after El Tri swept aside Ecuador in the round of 32. A win in the last 16 would match their best finish and send them into a first quarter-final since 1986 - the last time Mexico hosted the competition - but they will need key men Joel Quinones and Raul Jimenez to get past Thomas Tuchel’s resilient England.

New customers can enjoy £15 in free bets with BetGoodwin when they sign-up using promo code WELCOME15 and bet £10 on any sports market at the minimum odds. Here is your step-by-step guide on how to get that during the business-end of the football season:

England, meanwhile, return to Mexico City carrying memories of 1986, when Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and his iconic solo goal helped Argentina knock them out on the way to the title. The Three Lions arrive having been taken to the edge by DR Congo in the round of 32, after beating Panama and Croatia and drawing 0-0 with Ghana in the group stage.

With Harry Kane on five goals for the tournament and Jude Bellingham impressing in midfield, England supporters are dreaming of another deep run following the 2018 semi-final and 2022 quarter-final.

18+ | Gamble responsibly | gambleaware.org | Odds subject to change

England’s injury worries continue after Declan Rice was forced off late against DR Congo, though it looked like cramp and fatigue. Rice also filled in at right-back with Jarell Quansah (ankle) and Reece James (hamstring) injured, and James is not expected back for the last 16. Thomas Tuchel’s main selection calls are out wide, with Bukayo Saka and substitute impact-maker Anthony Gordon pushing to start.

Mexico have no fresh fitness concerns after beating Ecuador, with 17-year-old Gilberto Mora coming through his first World Cup start. Javier Aguirre must decide whether to keep faith with Mora or opt for Brian Gutierrez, while Joel Quinones is one goal involvement away from a Mexico record for a single World Cup.

READ MORE: Free Bets & Bookmaker Sign Up Offers

Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too.