World Cup 2026 knockout football returns to the Estadio Azteca, where Mexico meet England in the Round of 16. The venue is set for a full house in Mexico City and a referee used to high-stakes nights in Alireza Faghani. On Sofascore, this matchup already has plenty of interest and for good reason. Mexico arrive with a spotless defensive record in this tournament. England bring star power and a possession game that has produced chances in volume. Add contrasting styles and a bit of shared history, and you have a tie worth clearing the schedule for. Here is the key information, numbers, and the players to follow.

Form guide in numbers

Mexico have been ruthlessly efficient so far, scoring 8 and conceding 0 across four matches. Their attack has been direct and measured, with 50 total shots and 16 on target, and 11 big chances created. They prefer to finish from close range, putting up 33 shots inside the box and all 8 goals from there. Average possession sits at 48.5 percent, backed by 84.5 percent passing accuracy, which hints at a compact game plan. Defensively, the hosts have stacked 104 clearances, won 56.4 percent of aerial duels, and posted four clean sheets. Goalkeeper Raúl Rangel’s Sofascore average is 7.48, and he has faced just 6 shots on target all tournament. Mexico also travel well in transition, with 2 fast breaks and 1 fast-break goal on the board. They have not needed set pieces to score, with zero penalty or free-kick goals so far. Discipline has been tidy too, with only 2 yellows and a single red across the run.

England’s numbers point to sustained pressure and chance creation. They have also scored 8, conceding 3, and have fired 74 shots with 27 on target. Their 20 big chances created highlight the volume, though 15 big chances missed show room for sharper finishing. The ball will likely be white more often than not, as England average 64.5 percent possession and 89.4 percent pass completion. Crossing is a clear route to goal, with 111 attempted and 26 accurate, plus 29 corners won. Out of possession, they have kept 2 clean sheets and won 58.1 percent of aerial duels, indicating strength against long balls. Elliot Anderson’s work rate stands out with 39.62 kilometers covered, while Marc Guéhi anchors the back line with a 7.45 Sofascore Rating. England’s attacking cast spreads the load, but the headline remains the tournament’s leading scorer in this tie. Their balance of control and efficiency will be tested by Mexico’s compact block.

Streaks you should know

Mexico come in hot with 7 straight wins and a 12-match unbeaten run. They have also kept 4 consecutive clean sheets, a valuable habit in knockout football. Starting well has been a trend, as they were first to score in 7 of their last 8 and led at half-time in 6 of those 8. Matches have generally been controlled affairs, with under 2.5 goals landing in 7 of their last 9. Cards have stayed low for Mexico, with under 4.5 cards in 6 of their last 7. Corners have also skewed lower in their games, with under 10.5 in 5 of the last 6. The sum of those trends is a team that likes rhythm, compactness, and selective attacking. All of it has translated into that perfect defensive ledger so far. Add home surroundings at altitude, and game management could be a key theme again.

England are unbeaten in 6 across competitions. Their streak of under 4.5 total cards in 10 of the last 10 fits a disciplined profile under pressure. Expect them to keep the ball and probe rather than chase it. Their shot volume and key pass numbers point to patience rather than panic. With 12 key passes from Declan Rice and 8 from Jude Bellingham, England consistently find entries into the final third. If the finishing sharpens against a defense that has yet to be breached, the unbeaten run may stretch. If not, the match could tilt toward Mexico’s preference for low-event control. Both teams have trends that dovetail into a fine margins kind of knockout. That is often where set pieces and duels in both boxes decide things.

Head-to-head and tactical themes

History tilts to England in this fixture. The last two meetings went their way, a 3-1 friendly win in 2010 and a 2-0 victory at the 1966 World Cup group stage. Mexico are still looking for a first win in this duel across recorded matches. While history is not destiny, it adds a small edge to England’s mindset. The current lineups page lists Mexico in a 4-3-3 and England in a 4-2-3-1. That shapes a midfield battle where England’s passing rhythm meets Mexico’s compact trio. Mexico’s 48.5 percent average possession suggests comfort without the ball and a plan to hit quickly. They have 2 fast breaks already and 8 goals from inside the box, which underlines their emphasis on quality rather than volume. England’s 111 crosses and 29 corners point to wide pressure, which will test Mexico’s aerial unit that has won 56.4 percent of their duels.

Matchups within the match look intriguing. Roberto Alvarado has delivered 3 assists and 10 key passes, giving Mexico service from the flank. Julián Quiñones leads Mexico with 3 goals and a top speed of 35.85 km/h, a real outlet in transition. Raúl Jiménez has added 2 goals from 10 shots and carries a penalty-area threat. On the other side, Harry Kane’s 5 goals and 9 shots on target headline England’s attack. Jude Bellingham adds 2 goals, 1 assist, and 8 key passes, a two-way driver of chance creation. England’s back pair of Guéhi and Konsa bring elite passing accuracy, above 97 percent for each, which helps sustain territorial pressure. If England’s crossing meets Mexico’s clearing, that duel could decide the territory story.

Players to watch

Mexico: Mateo Chávez is the home pick based on the highest average in this competition, posting a Sofascore Rating of 8.1. In his 78 minutes, the defender scored 1 goal with his left foot and hit the target with his only shot. He completed 16 of 19 passes for 84.2 percent, including 10 in the opposition half and 5 into the final third. He also won 71.4 percent of his total duels, made 2 successful dribbles from 2, and recorded 1 tackle won. Add 1 clearance and 1 key pass, and you get an efficient cameo that stood out in both boxes. If he features again, his energy and timing could be useful against England’s wing supply. Around him, Mexico’s defense has been in sync, with César Montes at 27 clearances and Johan Vázquez at 160 accurate passes. That backbone is the reason the clean-sheet streak is alive.

England: Harry Kane leads the away list with a Sofascore Rating of 7.775. He has 5 goals from 18 shots, with 9 on target, and a scoring frequency of 70.8 minutes. All five goals came from inside the area, three with his head and two with his right foot. He has also converted his only penalty, while adding 3 key passes in build-up phases. Kane has covered 40.77 kilometers and produced 35 sprints, which speaks to his work without the ball. His expected goals sit at 2.6341, showing strong finishing over baseline. If England create at their usual rate, Kane’s movement between Mexico’s center-backs will be central again. Support will come from Bellingham’s surges and Noni Madueke’s delivery, with the latter topping England’s expected assists chart at 1.50.

Team news, odds and officiating

England list two absentees on the lineups page. Reece James, defender, is out with a hamstring injury. Jarell Quansah, defender, is doubtful due to an ankle injury. Mexico report no missing players at the time of writing. Full-time odds in decimal price England as a slight favorite at 2.40, with Mexico at 3.10 and the draw at 3.20. The Asian handicap shows Mexico +0.25 at 1.80 and England −0.25 at 2.05. Referee Alireza Faghani brings major-tournament experience, with 234 matches handled, 949 yellows, and 15 straight reds on his record. That background, paired with both teams’ recent run of low-card games, may keep the focus on football rather than fouls. Keep in mind, though, that knockout tension can change any script quickly.

You can follow the match live on Sofascore with momentum swings, player heatmaps, and real-time Sofascore Rating updates. Save the event to get notified when lineups are confirmed and when the first whistle goes at the Azteca. If this stays tight, the data points toward fine margins and set plays. If it opens up, England’s crossing and Mexico’s counterpunching are the obvious paths. Either way, the numbers promise a good watch.