The biggest World Cup matches Mexico and England have played inside the historic Estadio Azteca

The 2026 World Cup has already provided another memorable chapter in the history of Estadio Azteca, and now one of football's most iconic venues is preparing for another huge occasion.

Mexico have made home advantage count to reach the Round of 16, winning all three of their matches at the Azteca without conceding a goal.

England, meanwhile, have battled their way into the knockout stages, coming from behind to beat DR Congo and set up a fascinating meeting with the co‑hosts.

For El Tri, it means another huge night at their spiritual home – a stadium that now holds the record for hosting matches at more World Cups than any other.

England’s relationship with the Azteca is shorter but no less historic, shaped by two unforgettable knockout ties during the 1986 tournament.

Ahead of this mouthwatering encounter, FootballGroundGuide looks back at Mexico and England's biggest World Cup moments inside Estadio Azteca.

Mexico's biggest World Cup matches inside Estadio Azteca

Mexico's World Cup history at the Azteca began in 1970, when the country hosted the tournament for the first time.

More than 107,000 supporters watched the hosts draw 0-0 with the Soviet Union in the tournament's opening match before Mexico found their stride. A 4-0 victory over El Salvador was followed by a 1-0 win against Belgium in front of 108,192 fans, sending El Tri into the knockout stages.

Sixteen years later, Mexico returned to the Azteca for another home World Cup and enjoyed their greatest tournament run.

A crowd of 110,000 watched Mexico begin the 1986 edition with a 2-1 victory over Belgium before a 1-1 draw with Paraguay and a narrow 1-0 win against Iraq secured top spot in their group.

The Azteca then witnessed one of Mexico's most memorable World Cup victories.

In front of 114,560 supporters, El Tri defeated Bulgaria 2-0 in the Round of 16, with Manuel Negrete scoring one of the most spectacular goals in tournament history with an acrobatic scissor kick.

Mexico have continued that formidable home record in 2026. A 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match was followed by a 3-0 win against the Czech Republic and another 2-0 success against Ecuador.

Remarkably, all three matches attracted an official attendance of 80,824, with Mexico scoring seven goals without reply on the Azteca turf.

England's biggest World Cup matches inside Estadio Azteca

England have played just twice at Estadio Azteca in World Cup competition, but both matches came during a dramatic four-day period in 1986.

The first was a convincing 3-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16. In front of 98,728 spectators, Gary Lineker scored twice, and Peter Beardsley added another as Bobby Robson's side comfortably booked their place in the quarter-finals.

Four days later came one of the most famous matches in World Cup history.

England faced Diego Maradona's Argentina in front of 114,580 supporters, with the Argentine captain scoring two goals that have become part of football folklore.

The first was the infamous ‘Hand of God', with Maradona punching the ball beyond Peter Shilton and into the net.

Just minutes later came a moment of genius as he collected possession inside his own half, weaved through the England defence and scored a goal later voted the World Cup's ‘Goal of the Century'.

Lineker pulled one back late on, but Argentina held firm for a 2-1 victory before going on to lift the trophy.

Forty years later, England are returning to one of the most daunting stages in world football.

This time, they will not only have to overcome Mexico, but also an Azteca crowd that has already watched El Tri win three times without conceding at the 2026 World Cup.