05 July,2026 03:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Thomas Tuchel (Pic: AFP)
England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed that he has personally felt the physical effects of Mexico City's high altitude as his side prepares to face Mexico. He further added that the opening 15 to 20 minutes against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca will prove to be their 'most difficult' start of the tournament.
Since making their debut at the historic venue back in 1966, the Mexican national team has suffered just two defeats in competitive fixtures at the Estadio Azteca. This record cements its status as one of the most intimidating away stadiums in global football. Over the course of 89 matches played in that stadium, Mexico has won an astonishing 70 matches and drawn 17 games.
Along with the pressure of the hostile crowd, England will also battle the severe high-altitude environment. The stadium sits approximately 7,220 feet (2,240 meters) above sea level; this elevation results in significantly thinner air.
This environment stands in stark contrast to lower-altitude host venues like Atlanta Stadium (312 meters), where captain Harry Kane's side previously defeated DR Congo in the Round of 32.
The England head coach emphasised that while complete physiological acclimation is out of the question in such a short window, arriving a day early allowed the team to judge the conditions before match day.
"It is just what it is. We cannot physically adapt. It is just impossible. But we are here one day before to experience it at least, to not have all the first-time experience in the warm-up [for the match]. So we will have the warm-up, especially with [focus on] the flight of the ball, with a bit of shortness of breath," he added.
Tuchel also acknowledged that hosts Mexico are known for capitalising on their home advantage by starting matches with intense energy, stating that navigating the initial storm would be crucial for England's success.
"I think it is not a coincidence that Mexico start their matches normally on home turf very, very strong, very front-footed, very aggressively because I think the first 15-20 minutes will be maybe the toughest for us. Once we overcome that, I think we are in a good place," he concluded.
(With ANI inputs)
