World Cup 2026: Mexico vs England Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Mexico host England at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City in the Round of 16 on Monday morning, with kickoff at 02:00 CAT. El Tri arrive unbeaten and yet to concede a goal, having beaten Ecuador 2-nil in their Round of 32 knockout game, while England came from behind to see off Congo DR 2-1 courtesy of a Harry Kane brace. A place in the quarter finals is at stake at one of the most intimidating venues in world football. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Mexico

Mexico have been superb for me and Javier Aguirre has them pressing high and defending as a unit, which has helped them remain the only team yet to concede at this World Cup. Julian Quinones has emerged as their standout attacker, while Luis Romo and Erik Lira have controlled midfield and fed the runners in behind. The altitude and the cauldron atmosphere at the Azteca, a ground where Mexico have never lost at a World Cup, is a genuine weapon. My read on this is that Aguirre will trust the same disciplined block that has served them all tournament.

Predicted Lineup: Rangel; Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Lira; Mora, Romo; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quinones.

England

England look the more complete side of these two to me, with Thomas Tuchel having blended a solid base with real attacking talent. Harry Kane is scoring and Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka give them match winners in the final third, with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson controlling the middle. The challenge is the altitude and the hostile setting, which can blunt even the best sides late on. In my opinion England have the quality to win it, but they will need to be patient and clinical.

Predicted Lineup: Pickford; Spence, Guehi, Konsa, O'Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.

I expect a cagey, tight knockout tie between two well-organised sides, with the altitude keeping the tempo lower than usual. England have the sharper finishers and I think one moment from Kane or Saka settles it, while Mexico's clean sheet record finally cracks. My forecast: Mexico 0 England 1.

BTTS: No (1.74)

I am backing BTTS: No and my read on this is that both defences are in excellent shape and neither manager will take risks in a knockout at altitude. Mexico have not conceded all tournament and England have looked hard to break down, so I expect at least one side to be kept off the scoresheet. At 1.74 a game with a clean sheet at one end looks the value call.