Mexico have not lost a competitive match at the Estadio Azteca since September 2013, and that run now sits behind England's visit in the World Cup 2026 round of 16. The venue is one of the largest stadiums in the world, and Mexico's hold there has turned every trip to Mexico City into a test of patience and precision.
Thomas Tuchel takes England there after a 4-2 win over Croatia, a 0-0 draw with Ghana and another win before late Harry Kane goals helped them avoid defeat to DR Congo. England reached the round of 16 with the right results, but the next hurdle is Mexico's home record at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Estadio Azteca in Mexico City
Mexico have been beaten only twice in 89 competitive matches at the stadium. The most recent loss came in September 2013, when Honduras won 2-1 in the fourth round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Before that, Costa Rica won 2-1 there in June 2001 in the final round of qualifying for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. That result was known as Aztecazo in the Costa Rican press, and it remains the other competitive defeat in the ground's record.
Thomas Tuchel and England
Tuchel's side now meet a Mexico team that has gone through all four World Cup 2026 games without conceding a goal. England's route has been cleaner than some, but the schedule still produced a match that asks for control in a stadium that has resisted it for more than a decade.
The contradiction is simple: a place built on Mexico's competitive strength has still produced two defeats, and both came in qualifying. Those losses came in 2001 and 2013, with Honduras and Costa Rica the only sides to take that result from the Estadio Azteca in competitive play.
Aztecazo and the six decades
The stadium has stood for six decades, with the source pointing to 1966, and its record is part of why the venue keeps its weight in major tournaments. England and Mexico meet there with one team trying to extend a fortress run and the other trying to break it in the World Cup 2026 round of 16.
