Need for sleep: How England plan to save themselves from rowdy Mexico fans

England have taken special precautions ahead of their World Cup round of 16 clash against co-hosts Mexico after witnessing chaotic scenes outside the Ecuadorian team’s hotel earlier this week.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are expected to remain under increased security in Mexico City, with roadblocks likely to be placed around the team’s hotel to prevent fans from gathering outside on the eve of Sunday’s knockout clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

MEXICAN FANS CREATE CHAOS AT THE FIFA WORLD CUP

The extra measures come after hundreds of Mexican fans descended on an Ecuadorean hotel ahead of the Round of 32 match, setting off fireworks, revving car engines and chanting well into the night in an attempt to keep the visiting players awake.

The celebrations and noise were so intense that the Ecuadorian players were forced to climb onto hotel balconies to see what was happening outside.

According to The Athletic, FIFA is expected to approve increased security measures around the England hotel, with decisions on roadblocks being made on a case-by-case basis depending on the facility and local intelligence. The governing body is also trying to avoid a repeat of the scenes witnessed before Mexico’s victory over Ecuador.

England also changed their travel plans for the first time during the tournament.

ENGLAND CHANGE TRAVEL PLANS

Unlike previous matches where the team arrived in the host city the day before kick-off, Tuchel’s team will travel to Mexico City two days before the match.

The decision is driven not only by safety considerations, but also by the challenge of playing at height.

Estadio Azteca is about 2,240 meters above sea level, with the thinner air expected to affect both player fitness and ball movement.

“We will go one night earlier. It makes sense,” said Tuchel.

“The ball flies differently. It flies maybe five yards more. It’s just hard. We just need experience.”

The England manager admitted that there is no perfect solution to playing at altitude and explained that the ideal adaptation period would be much longer.

“The recommendation is that you go 10 days in advance – which is too long for us – or at the last minute, which is not allowed,” explained Tuchel.

“We’ve spoken to teams that do that and they say they travel very, very late on the day of the game if they don’t have time to adjust. We have to find a mix between that. It will remain a disadvantage.”

England take on a feisty Mexico side who will enjoy a home support at the Azteca after beating Ecuador 2-0 to book their place in the last eight. The hosts are expected to have more than 80,000 supporters as they bid to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Football World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | football news

– The end

Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

03 Jul 2026 16:34 IST