Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleEngland faces a significant challenge in their World Cup 2026 match against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, which is situated 7,220 ft (2,240 m) above sea level. The high altitude means thinner air and less oxygen, which will impede England players' physical performance and make recovery runs more difficult. England manager Thomas Tuchel described the altitude as a “big disadvantage” that his team cannot fully adapt to in the four days before the match. Experts warn that arriving two days before the game, as England plans, is considered one of the “worst arrival times” for performance due to limited acclimatisation. Mexico holds a formidable home record at the Azteca and has played most of its tournament games there, giving it a significant advantage despite some of its players not living at altitude. In full‘It catches you off guard’: The true impact of Azteca altitude for England against MexicoMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Why altitude will be a ‘big disadvantage’ for England against Mexico
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleEngland faces a significant challenge in their World Cup 2026 match against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, which is situated 7,220 ft (2,240 m) above sea level. The high altitude means thinner air and less oxygen, which will impede England players' physical performance and make recovery runs more difficult. England manager Thomas Tuchel described the altitude as a “big disadvantage” that his team cannot fully adapt to in the four days before the match. Experts warn that arriving two days before the game, as England plans, is considered one of the “worst arrival times” for performance due to limited acclimatisation. Mexico holds a formidable home record at the Azteca and has played most of its tournament games there, giving it a significant advantage despite some of its players not living at altitude. In full‘It catches you off guard’: The true impact of Azteca altitude for England against MexicoMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
