Tuchel warns altitude gives Mexico huge advantage in World Cup Azteca showdown

Thomas Tuchel has openly acknowledged that altitude will hand Mexico a significant edge when England face the co-hosts at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday in their World Cup round of 16 tie. The iconic venue sits at more than 7,300 feet (2,200 metres) above sea level, and Tuchel admitted there is simply not enough time for his players to acclimatise.

“My understanding is that we cannot adapt to the altitude. That is just a huge advantage that Mexico will have,” Tuchel said. “It just takes too much time.”

Sports scientists generally recommend either an extended acclimation period of at least two weeks or the ‘fly-in, fly-out’ approach of arriving as close to kick-off as possible to avoid the worst effects of reduced atmospheric pressure and lower oxygen availability. England, who have been based in Kansas City, will fly to Mexico on Friday — leaving minimal time to adjust.

Despite the conditions, Tuchel is looking to use every tool available. He pointed to the hydration breaks — a feature that has drawn criticism — as a potential tactical lever, having used them to help turn England’s round of 32 match against Congo. England trailed early before rallying to a 2-1 win, and Tuchel credited the breaks with helping shift momentum.

“I make the most of it,” he said. “You know that I don’t really love them, I enjoy football more when it plays out with momentum … but, of course, they are here and why would I not try to take advantage?”

The Azteca carries heavy historical weight for England. It was here in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals that Diego Maradona scored both the notorious ‘Hand of God’ goal and what is widely regarded as the greatest individual goal in tournament history, dribbling from the halfway line past several England players before beating goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Argentina eliminated England that day, and Mexico are undefeated in 10 World Cup matches at the stadium across three tournaments.

Tuchel, however, struck a defiant note when asked about the history. “We will get it back. It’s karma,” he said. “Karma will come back for us. We will turn it around.”