Mexico vs. England projected lineups, starting 11 for World Cup Round of 16 game at the Azteca

Mexico and England meet on Sunday at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City in a World Cup Round of 16 tie, with a quarterfinal place on the line.

El Tri booked their spot with a composed 2-0 win over Ecuador in the last 32 and return to the Azteca, where Javier Aguirre's side have never lost a World Cup match, roared on by a capacity home crowd.

England came through the hard way, recovering to beat DR Congo 2-1, with Harry Kane again leading the line for Thomas Tuchel. The tie is as much about the conditions as the soccer: Tuchel has called adapting to Mexico City's altitude "impossible," and how England handle the environment could decide it.

Here is how the teams line up.

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Mexico projected starting 11

(4-3-3, right to left): 1. R. Rangel (GK) — 2. J. Sanchez, 3. C. Montes, 5. J. Vasquez, 23. J. Gallardo — 19. G. Mora, 6. E. Lira, 7. L. Romo — 25. R. Alvarado, 9. R. Jimenez, 16. J. Quinones

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None
• On a yellow card: None

Aguirre has a clean bill of health and is likely to stick with the side that saw off Ecuador.

Erik Lira anchors a midfield featuring rising star Gilberto Mora, with the home crowd expected to lift El Tri through the opening exchanges.

Raul Jimenez has been Mexico's standout performer, and his partnership with Julian Quinones gives the hosts a genuine cutting edge.

England projected starting 11

(4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. J. Pickford (GK) — 25. D. Spence, 5. J. Stones, 6. M. Guehi, 3. N. O'Reilly — 4. D. Rice, 8. E. Anderson — 7. B. Saka, 10. J. Bellingham, 11. M. Rashford — 9. H. Kane

• Injured: James (hamstring, doubt), Quansah (ankle), 
• Suspended: None
• On a yellow card: Bellingham

Reece James is pushing to return from the hamstring injury that kept him out of the last two games, but he is unlikely to be risked from the start, so Djed Spence should continue at right-back. Jarell Quansah remains sidelined with an ankle knock.

Kane came through the DR Congo win without issue and will spearhead the attack once more. Bukayo Saka could come in for Noni Madueke, and Marcus Rashford will hope to keep his place ahead of Anthony Gordon.

The bigger question for Tuchel is how his side copes with the altitude, heat and hostile atmosphere, with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson tasked with controlling the tempo and conserving energy. Rice could be moved to right-back if England's injury picture does not improve, which would see Kobbie Mainoo get his first minutes of this World Cup.

Mexico vs. England predictions, betting odds

The Azteca and the altitude give Mexico a real edge, and Aguirre's side will feed off the crowd. But England carry more individual quality across the pitch, and if they can weather the early storm, Kane and Jude Bellingham should find a way through in a tight, tense contest.

• Score prediction: Mexico 1-2 England

Mexico vs. England World Cup rosters

Here are the names on the Mexico vs. England World Cup rosters, as named for the 2026 tournament.

Mexico World Cup roster

Head coach: Javier Aguirre

England World Cup roster

Head coach: Thomas Tuchel

Where to watch Mexico vs. England

•  TV channel: Fox
• Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Here is how to watch the match in some of the other major territories: