El Tri’s unique fortress: What is Mexico’s record at Estadio Azteca and when did they last lose there?

England's reward for reaching the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup is arguably their toughest assignment yet: a meeting with co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

While Thomas Tuchel's side arrive in impressive form after topping Group L and getting past DR Congo in the Round of 32, Mexico have been equally convincing, winning all four of their matches without conceding a goal.

They also possess something few teams in world football can match – one of the strongest home records anywhere on the planet.

Ahead of Sunday's heavyweight clash, FootballGroundGuide takes a closer look at why Estadio Azteca has become such a fortress for El Tri.

Mexico's incredible record at Estadio Azteca

Few international teams enjoy a home advantage quite like Mexico.

Across 89 senior internationals at Estadio Azteca, El Tri have won 70, drawn 17 and lost just two, an extraordinary record that underlines why the Mexico City venue is regarded as one of world football's most intimidating stadiums.

Their World Cup record there is even more remarkable.

Mexico have played ten World Cup matches at the Azteca, winning seven and drawing three, meaning they have never lost a World Cup fixture at the stadium.

They have also kept eight clean sheets, while both of their previous home World Cup campaigns in 1970 and 1986 ended away from the Azteca after progressing from the group stage.

Much of that success can be attributed to the unique challenge the stadium presents.

Sitting around 2,200 metres above sea level, the altitude affects both players and the flight of the ball, while more than 80,000 passionate supporters create an atmosphere Mexico manager Javier Aguirre has previously described as the team's “12th man”.

England will also become one of the highest-ranked nations Mexico have faced there in recent years. Since El Tri's last defeat at the Azteca, the majority of opponents have come from CONCACAF, with Portugal the only current top-10 nation to visit before this World Cup.

Mexico have only lost twice in competitive matches at the Estadio Azteca since they began playing matches there in 1966 🏰🇲🇽

89 games
70 wins
17 draws
2 defeats

Next up: England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/9IGHkffR4Q

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 2, 2026

Mexico's World Cup record at Estadio Azteca

Here is the full breakdown:

• 1970 World Cup: Mexico 0-0 Soviet Union (Group stage)
• 1970 World Cup: Mexico 4-0 El Salvador (Group stage)
• 1970 World Cup: Mexico 1-0 Belgium (Group stage)
• 1986 World Cup: Mexico 2-1 Belgium (Group stage)
• 1986 World Cup: Mexico 1-1 Paraguay (Group stage)
• 1986 World Cup: Mexico 1-0 Iraq (Group stage)
• 1986 World Cup: Mexico 2-0 Bulgaria (Round of 16)
• 2026 World Cup: Mexico 2-0 South Africa (Group stage)
• 2026 World Cup: Mexico 3-0 Czechia (Group stage)
• 2026 World Cup: Mexico 2-0 Ecuador (Round of 32)

When did Mexico last lose at the Azteca?

Remarkably, Mexico have not tasted defeat at Estadio Azteca for almost 13 years.

Their last loss came on 10th September 2013, when the United States claimed a famous 2-0 victory in a World Cup qualifier thanks to goals from Eddie Johnson and Landon Donovan.

Since then, Mexico have gone 26 consecutive matches unbeaten at the stadium, spanning four World Cup cycles and extending into the 2026 tournament.

What is England's record at Estadio Azteca?

England have played at Estadio Azteca twice, both during the 1986 World Cup.

Their first visit could hardly have gone better, as Gary Lineker scored twice in a comfortable 3-0 Round of 16 victory over Paraguay in front of 98,728 spectators to send Bobby Robson's side into the quarter-finals.

The second remains one of the most infamous matches in England's history.

Four days later, Diego Maradona inspired Argentina to a 2-1 victory with two unforgettable goals – the first the notorious “Hand of God”, the second widely regarded as one of the greatest goals ever scored.

Forty years on, England return to the Azteca with a chance to create happier memories.

To do so, however, they must achieve something no nation has ever managed at a World Cup: beat Mexico on football's most famous stage, and inside their own fortress.