Mexico vs England: 5 key battles that will decide 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 game

× Co-hosts Mexico are set to face England in their 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 encounter at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Sunday (July 5). They are hoping to reach their third quarter-final in the tournament, while England are eyeing an upset for the passionate home fans. Ad Mexico have won all four of their matches in the ongoing tournament, scoring eight goals and conceding none.

They topped Group A with nine points before defeating Ecuador 2-0 in their last-32 match at Estadio Azteca. England, on the other hand, are unbeaten in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, registering three wins and a draw. After finishing atop Group L, they came back from behind to win 2-1 against DR Congo in their round of 32 game.

Ad Trending 5 key battles in Mexico's 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match against England #5 Julian Quinones vs Djed Spence In-form attacker Julian Quinones is relishing an excellent campaign, having scored three goals for El Tri. The Saudi Pro League Golden Boot holder has impacted ties with pace and directness on the left wing. He could lock horns with Djed Spence in the last-16 tie, with the Tottenham Hotspur ace likely to start in place of the injured Reece James.

Ad #4 Gilberto Mora vs Declan Rice Mexico teenager Gilberto Mora became the second-youngest player to start a FIFA World Cup knockout tie against Ecuador, impressing with two chances created and as many shots. His clever movement could force Declan Rice to focus more on his defensive responsibilities instead of his playmaking in a number eight role in a 4-2-3-1 formation. #3 Raul Jimenez vs Ezri Konsa Since bagging his first FIFA World Cup goal in the 2026 opener, Raul Jimenez has been in lethal form for Javier Aguirre's team.

He has scored twice in three matches and could pose a problem with his positioning and physicality. To stop the 35-year-old striker, Ezri Konsa has to be on his toes as the more defensive-minded centre-back beside Marc Guehi. Ad #2 Erik Lira vs Jude Bellingham A right-footed tenacious defensive midfielder, Erik Lira has played a vital role in his team's perfect defensive record in the tournament so far.

The 26-year-old, who laid out the assist for El Tri's first goal of the tournament, could be tasked with stopping Jude Bellingham on Sunday. The England man, meanwhile, will be keen to net his third goal of the summer. #1 Cesar Montes vs Harry Kane Experienced centre-back Cesar Montes has proved to be a defensive leader for El Tri in the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite being sent off against South Africa.

He has started all three of his appearances and could efficiently set up a low block against the Harry Kane-captained team. On the other hand, Kane will be aiming to come to England's rescue again after netting his fourth and fifth goals in the win against DR Congo. × Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Edited by Debkalpa Banerjee Co-hosts Mexico are set to face England in their 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 encounter at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Sunday (July 5). They are hoping to reach their third quarter-final in the tournament, while England are eyeing an upset for the passionate home fans. Ad Mexico have won all four of their matches in the ongoing tournament, scoring eight goals and conceding none.

They topped Group A with nine points before defeating Ecuador 2-0 in their last-32 match at Estadio Azteca. England, on the other hand, are unbeaten in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, registering three wins and a draw. After finishing atop Group L, they came back from behind to win 2-1 against DR Congo in their round of 32 game.

Ad Trending 5 key battles in Mexico's 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match against England #5 Julian Quinones vs Djed Spence In-form attacker Julian Quinones is relishing an excellent campaign, having scored three goals for El Tri. The Saudi Pro League Golden Boot holder has impacted ties with pace and directness on the left wing. He could lock horns with Djed Spence in the last-16 tie, with the Tottenham Hotspur ace likely to start in place of the injured Reece James.

Ad #4 Gilberto Mora vs Declan Rice Mexico teenager Gilberto Mora became the second-youngest player to start a FIFA World Cup knockout tie against Ecuador, impressing with two chances created and as many shots. His clever movement could force Declan Rice to focus more on his defensive responsibilities instead of his playmaking in a number eight role in a 4-2-3-1 formation. #3 Raul Jimenez vs Ezri Konsa Since bagging his first FIFA World Cup goal in the 2026 opener, Raul Jimenez has been in lethal form for Javier Aguirre's team.

He has scored twice in three matches and could pose a problem with his positioning and physicality. To stop the 35-year-old striker, Ezri Konsa has to be on his toes as the more defensive-minded centre-back beside Marc Guehi. Ad #2 Erik Lira vs Jude Bellingham A right-footed tenacious defensive midfielder, Erik Lira has played a vital role in his team's perfec