England is betting on a secret weapon ahead of the round of 16 match against Mexico: Viagra
England’s toughest opponent ahead of their World Cup Round of 16 tie against Mexico may not just be the home crowd or the Azteca Stadium, but also the altitude. With Thomas Tuchel’s side preparing to play at the iconic Estadio Azteca, which sits some 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level, the issues of thinner air and reduced oxygen levels have become a major talking point ahead of Sunday’s knockout game.
And while England haven’t suggested they use it, there is one unusual tool available to them if they choose. Viagra.
The drug, which is more commonly associated with the treatment of erectile dysfunction, is permitted under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules and has been studied for its potential benefits in helping athletes perform at high altitude.
WHY IS ENGLAND USING VIAGRA?
Originally developed as a treatment for high blood pressure, Viagra (sildenafil) works by dilating blood vessels, particularly in the lungs, allowing blood to circulate more effectively in a low-oxygen environment. Scientists have long investigated whether these effects could help athletes delay fatigue when racing at altitude.
According to WADA research, sildenafil does not offer a meaningful performance advantage at or near sea level and is therefore not included on the banned substance list. Studies suggest it may improve performance in some athletes at extreme altitudes above 3,800 meters, although evidence suggests its benefits are minimal at lower altitudes, such as Mexico City’s 2,240 meters.
That hasn’t stopped teams from exploring the idea in the past. Argentinian club Unión de Santa Fe reportedly used sildenafil before a Copa Sudamericana match in Quito, Ecuador, almost 2,850 meters above sea level.
Tuchel has already admitted that England will have little time to adapt after traveling from their base in Kansas City.
“We will go one night earlier. It makes sense. The ball will fly differently. It will fly maybe five yards more. It is just difficult. We just need experience,” Tuchel said earlier in the week.
“The recommendation is that you go either ten days in advance, which is too long for us, or at the last minute, which is not allowed.
England changed their travel plans by arriving in Mexico City two days before the match instead of their usual one-day schedule, hoping the extra time would help the team acclimatise.
Altitude is just one concern.
England are expected to have extra security around their team hotel after Mexico supporters disrupted Ecuador’s preparations ahead of the Round of 32 by gathering outside the hotel late into the night with fireworks, chants and revving engines. FIFA has reportedly approved increased security measures, including barricades around the English hotel, to prevent a repeat.
HAVE FOOTBALL PLAYERS TAKEN VIAGRA ALREADY?
The viagra conversation isn’t exactly new in English football either.
Ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, reports claimed that the England team was considering using medication to combat altitude sickness. The Football Association later denied that there had been any such discussions.
However, former England striker Carlton Cole has revealed he once accidentally took Viagra after being pranked by team-mates during an England training camp – a prank he later joked left him “running around with three legs”.
But for England, the only thing that matters on Sunday is surviving one of the toughest away environments in world football.
Whether the solution comes from sports science, careful planning or simply Harry Kane’s goals, Tuchel knows they will need every advantage they can get against the World Cup co-hosts.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
04 Jul 2026 12:33 IST