England face Mexico at the Azteca if they beat DR Congo in World Cup last 32

A victory for England over DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32 would send Thomas Tuchel’s side to Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium for a last-16 tie on Sunday 5 July — a daunting assignment against a co-host nation that has won all four of its tournament games without conceding.

Mexico secured their place in the last 16 by brushing aside Ecuador 2-0, continuing a run of form that makes them one of the more formidable obstacles remaining in England’s half of the draw.

The Azteca factor

Beyond a hostile crowd, Mexico City’s altitude presents a serious physical challenge for European sides. The Azteca sits at over 2,200 metres above sea level, where the thinner air accelerates player fatigue considerably. For UK viewers, the match kicks off at 1am on Monday morning.

England’s only previous World Cup appearances at the Azteca both came in 1986. They defeated Paraguay in the round of 16 thanks to a Gary Lineker brace, before suffering one of the most infamous exits in the tournament’s history four days later. Diego Maradona scored both the controversial ‘Hand of God’ goal and his celebrated solo effort as Argentina won 2-1, with Lineker’s late strike not enough to force extra time.

In competitive football, England and Mexico have met just once — a 2-0 England win at Wembley during the 1966 World Cup group stage. Their most recent encounter was a pre-tournament friendly in May 2010, also at Wembley, which England won 3-1.

The road beyond

Should England beat both DR Congo and Mexico, Brazil would likely await in the quarter-final in Miami on Saturday 11 July. Brazil defeated Japan in the last 32 and face Norway — who eliminated the Ivory Coast — in the last 16.

Looking further ahead, holders Argentina are projected to be England’s semi-final opponents if Tuchel’s side reach the last four. Spain and France, positioned on the other side of the draw, would only be possible opponents in the final, scheduled for New York/New Jersey on 19 July.