World Cup: England booed after delaying Mexico over ‘spies’ fears ahead of last 16 clash – Play

England’s Jude Bellingham steps off a bus at the hotel where England will be staying in Mexico City ahead of their World Cup Round of 16 match against Mexico, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo) England were greeted by boos from local fans after arriving in Mexico City ahead of their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against co-hosts Mexico following a delayed trip designed to keep their preparations out of the public eye.According to The Sun, England manager Thomas Tuchel and the Football Association have decided to keep the squad at their training base in Kansas City for as long as possible before traveling to Mexico City. The move was made to prevent opposing teams from watching England’s training sessions before the knockout match.The report stated that England had delayed their arrival to prevent “spies” from monitoring their preparations.Security around the England camp has also been increased, with police and security personnel monitoring the team’s base. Tuchel wants his players to adapt to the high-altitude conditions at the Azteca Stadium without revealing their tactical plans ahead of the game.Despite the precautions, England received a hostile welcome upon arrival at the hotel. Mexico supporters gathered outside the team hotel, chanting “Mexico” and booing as the England team bus arrived ahead of the last 16 match.After the incident in Ecuador during the previous round, security was tightened around the hotel.After Mexico’s Round of 32 match against Ecuador in Mexico City, Ecuador filed a noise complaint with FIFA. According to reports, local supporters gathered outside the Ecuadorian hotel late at night and used loudspeakers, horns and motorcycles to disturb the players.Mexico won this match 2-0.Ecuador was staying at the Westin Hotel and England wanted to keep the location of their own hotel undisclosed. However, there were concerns that the team’s location had been leaked.When the England team arrived on Friday (local time), hundreds of local supporters were waiting outside. Some chanted “Mexico” while others booed.According to the BBC, members of the Mexican National Guard were stationed at the entrance to the English hotel, while police officers in riot gear stood behind barriers outside the building.England arrived two days before the match as FIFA rules require teams in the knockout stages to hold a semi-open training session in the host city the day before the match.The team’s preparations were also affected on Friday after reports emerged that FIFA was considering moving kick-off six hours earlier due to forecast storms.The proposal was discussed less than 48 hours before the match, but both the Football Association and the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) opposed the idea. The match will now take place at the original scheduled time.England will also have to deal with the conditions in Mexico City, which sits at around 2,240 meters above sea level. Higher altitude means less oxygen is available.