Following England’s 2-1 victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo, attention now shifts to their upcoming match against Mexico. The Three Lions are set to play Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Sunday, 5 July at 6pm local time, which will be Monday, 6 July at 1am BST. This match marks England’s progression to the final 16 of the tournament, drawing many fans to the Mexican capital.
After playing four matches in the United States, the England team will now travel to Mexico for this fixture. For supporters planning to attend, the UK government has issued travel advice, including warnings about recent incidents in Mexico City.
Travel advice for Mexico City
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises travellers to sign up for email alerts regarding travel advice for Mexico. Fans are also encouraged to download the official Fifa World Cup 25 app and check the official World Cup 2026 website for updates that could impact their travel or plans while in Mexico.
Recent FCDO warnings highlight incidents in Mexico City, including the deaths of three individuals due to asphyxiation during football celebrations at the Angel of Independence. There have also been increased reports of mobile phone theft and drink spiking during the tournament. Since early June, workers’ union protests have caused traffic disruptions in Mexico City. While generally peaceful, some protests have involved clashes with police. Foreign nationals are prohibited from participating in political activities in Mexico; involvement could lead to detention and deportation. Travellers encountering protests are advised to move away from the area and monitor local media for potential disruptions.
For those venturing outside Mexico City, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to certain areas. These include parts of Baja California, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Jalisco, Colima, Guerrero, and Chiapas.
Accommodation in and around Mexico City is expected to be in high demand, necessitating advance planning. Transport around the stadiums will also be busy. Mexico City’s public transport accepts both cash and contactless payments, but travellers should plan their journeys ahead and allow ample time. Other cities and popular tourist destinations across Mexico may also experience higher than usual visitor numbers during the tournament. Before travelling between cities, checking FCDO travel advice for the specific route and being aware of restricted areas is recommended.
For tourists, a visa is not required to enter Mexico. Passports will be stamped with the permitted duration of stay. The Mexican Embassy in the UK suggests passports be valid for at least 180 days, as this is the maximum tourist stay. British nationals entering Mexico by land must complete an online immigration form. Travellers visiting or transiting through multiple countries, especially via land borders, should verify entry requirements for each country. An Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) may be needed for entry into the United States. If a passport is lost or stolen, an Emergency Travel Document from the British Embassy cannot be used to re-enter the USA from Mexico.
Mexican immigration officers may request proof of accommodation, return flights, visit plans, and sufficient funds for the stay. Those travelling with a child might be asked for evidence of their relationship, such as a birth or adoption certificate, or parental responsibility orders, along with the reason for travel. To depart Mexico, the passport with the entry stamp must be presented. Losing a passport requires a fee of approximately 700 Mexican pesos (£30) to replace the entry stamp. A departure tax may apply when leaving Mexico by air or land, with costs varying and some locations only accepting cash. Many airlines include this cost in the ticket price, but confirmation with the airline or tour operator is advised. The FCDO also recommends obtaining travel and health insurance before travelling. It is illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and solutions into Mexico, or to buy and sell them within the country.
Team performance and selection concerns
England’s victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo, secured by late goals from Harry Kane, prevented a significant upset. Kane scored twice, helping the team avoid a result that some might have considered a national embarrassment. Kane and Jude Bellingham have been key players for England in this tournament, contributing goals and inspiration. Both players scored in group stage wins against Croatia and Panama, and were prominent against the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the team’s overall performance has shown some vulnerabilities.
Concerns have been raised regarding squad selection and the team’s balance. The right-back position, in particular, has presented challenges due to injuries or inconsistent form. Declan Rice, typically a central midfielder, played at right-back during the match against the Democratic Republic of Congo. This decision has led to discussions among former players. Ex-England captain Alan Shearer noted defensive weaknesses and suggested that Rice’s move to right-back contributed to the equaliser, despite initial reluctance to see him in that role. However, former England defender Micah Richards argued against playing Rice at right-back, citing his crucial energy in midfield, particularly for the high-altitude game against Mexico. Richards suggested a defensive lineup of Ezri Konsa at right-back, with John Stones alongside Marc Guehi for better team balance.
Wayne Rooney, another former England captain, expressed concerns about the team’s openness when losing possession, suggesting potential difficulties against stronger opponents. The constant changes on the flanks further indicate ongoing questions about the first-choice lineup. The team has also been noted for a lack of creative force, particularly evident in the goalless draw against Ghana. Some observers have pointed to the exclusion of creative players like Cole Palmer and Phil Foden from the squad, though both had challenging club seasons. Other players like Morgan Gibbs-White and Alex Scott were also not included. The team’s reliance on Kane and Bellingham for match-winning moments has been highlighted, with a need for other players to contribute more significantly.
The role of strikers Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney has also been a topic of discussion. Toney, who plays for Al-Ahli, was a notable inclusion in the squad. Despite Kane’s strong form, there have been questions about the extent of the coach’s faith in Watkins and Toney. In England’s four matches so far, Toney has not featured, while Watkins played for six minutes as a substitute against Panama. During the stalemate against Ghana and when chasing the game against the Democratic Republic of Congo, other players were introduced instead of Watkins or Toney. The coach indicated a specific time for their potential introduction, which, given Kane’s late winner, would have been very late in the match.
The upcoming match against Mexico will be a significant test for England as they navigate the knockout stages of the tournament.
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Source: independent.co.uk
Adam Rutherford is a Senior Football Correspondent at News-UK. He spent his early career filing match reports across the North West. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Manchester Metropolitan University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Manchester, he coaches a youth team and watches grassroots football. “Every transfer window hides a dozen real stories.”
