The Mexican national team now knows its opponent for the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. On Sunday, July 5, at 6:00 PM, the squad led by Javier Aguirre will host England at Estadio Ciudad de México—a venue that holds one of the most special memories for Mexican football regarding encounters with the “Three Lions.”
Although the historical record heavily favors the English side, there is a past result that keeps hope alive for Mexican fans. Just over four decades ago, *El Tricolor* defeated an England squad packed with stars at the very same venue that is set to host another World Cup clash.
The last time Mexico and England faced each other at what was then known as Estadio Azteca—now called Estadio Ciudad de México—was on June 9, 1985. That match was part of the preparations for the 1986 World Cup, a tournament hosted by Mexico.
The national team was managed by Bora Milutinović, who was beginning to solidify a project that would go on to reach the World Cup quarterfinals months later. Facing them was an England team featuring players of immense international renown, including Gary Lineker and the legendary goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
