England return to World Cup action on Tuesday when they square off against Ghana in Boston with a possible path to the latter stages of the tournament already taking place17:04, 19 Jun 2026England's chances of facing host nation Mexico in the last 16 of the World Cup have just increased significantly.‌Javier Aguirre's side have now officially wrapped up top spot in Group A after battling past South Korea (1-0) at the Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.‌It's a notable development because if England top Group L and win their Round of 32 fixture in Atlanta, they are currently projected to face either Mexico or Spain for a place in the quarter-finals.‌While Spain drew their opener with Cape Verde in one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history, they still seem likely to top Group H because Uruguay and Saudi Arabia also drew their first match in Miami.Whoever finishes third in that group will face Mexico in the Round of 32 and on current form, El Tri will fancy their chances of seeing the job through, particularly as they can now afford to rest players in their last group game against Czechia, should they wish.So why is facing Mexico in the last 16 such a daunting prospect for Thomas Tuchel's men? Well, that's because the Azteca Stadium, where the game will be played, is some 2200 metres above sea level.‌The altitude is incredibly tough for opposition teams to navigate and additionally, pollution levels are high in Mexico City, meaning it can be difficult for players to catch their breath during a match.Mexico have also lost just twice in 60 years at one of the great cathedrals of world football, so they will be no rollovers.Despite all of that, England will back themselves to beat whoever they face especially after performing impressive against Croatia and if they want to win the World Cup, they will have to overcome these kind of challenges.‌The Azteca is also known for its hostility and this particular game is scheduled to kick-off at 8pm local time and 1am back home in England.If England top Group L, their Round of 32 fixture would take place at 4pm local time in Toronto and 9pm back home.‌If the Three Lions were to finish second, their Round of 32 fixture would take place at 7pm local in Atlanta and 12am back home.Importantly for supporters in England, the last 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals would then all be 8pm kick-offs back home which would be favourable for the entire nation.At this stage, it's still too early to plan ahead but if England beat Ghana in Boston, they will officially wrap up top spot in Group L.Article continues belowAs it stands, they are in line to face Portugal in the Round of 32, though Roberto Martinez's men will be expected to pick up points in their last two group games following their frustrating draw with DR Congo in Houston.• Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.