England is set to face Mexico at the legendary Azteca Stadium in the 2026 World Cup, and former England striker Alan Shearer has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to rise to the occasion. ‘Instead of having any fear about the different tests they face, they will just be thinking ‘bring it on,’ Shearer said. ‘I know I would be.’

A Legendary Venue

The Azteca Stadium, where England and Mexico will clash, is one of the most iconic football venues in the world. It has hosted some of the most memorable moments in World Cup history, including Pelé’s third World Cup win in 1970 and Diego Maradona’s goal of the century in 1986. The stadium’s design, with steep stands, close proximity to the pitch, and underground dressing rooms, creates an electrifying atmosphere that has captivated fans for decades.

Originally built to host the 1970 World Cup, the Azteca was the brainchild of architect Pedro Ramirez Vazquez, who aimed to create a venue that could rival the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro. The stadium had a capacity of over 100,000 at its peak and has since been reduced to 87,500. Despite the renovations, the core elements that make the Azteca so unique remain intact.

Shearer’s Perspective

Alan Shearer, who will be co-commentating the match with Guy Mowbray, believes the England team should embrace the challenge of playing at the Azteca. ‘Yes, it’s going to be tough, because of the altitude and the atmosphere and everything else,’ he said. ‘But as a player, these are the kind of games and moments you train and work so hard for all your life.’

Shearer noted that the atmosphere in the stadium will be unlike anything England has faced in the tournament so far. ‘The crowd could be as much as 80% of their fans, which is very different,’ he said. ‘I have followed England around the United States at this World Cup, and we have had the majority of fans at all four matches so far. Against DR Congo in Atlanta, around 75% of the crowd were supporting England, but this is going to feel very different and is another reason why it’s such an incredible game to look forward to.’

Shearer also emphasized the importance of the players staying focused on the game rather than the occasion. ‘All the talk stops when they run out anyway, and if they play the game rather than the occasion then I think they will win,’ he said. ‘Yes, it’s a challenge but I would say to them to embrace it and enjoy it – be positive and show us all what you can do.’

England’s Road to the Azteca

England’s journey to the Azteca has been marked by strong performances in the group stage. The team has faced a variety of challenges, including different weather conditions and fan bases. Shearer has followed the team closely and believes they are well-prepared for the match. ‘I’ve wanted to go to the Azteca since I watched the 1986 World Cup on TV as a teenager and this is the first time England have been back since losing that epic quarter-final tie to Argentina,’ he said. ‘It’s going to be an amazing spectacle as well as a unique test.’

Shearer also acknowledged the significance of the match in the broader context of the World Cup. ‘To be going to such an iconic stadium and playing in a World Cup in front of a TV audience of millions, with a place in the quarter-finals as the prize, is what you dream of as a boy,’ he said. ‘I’ll be there, co-commentating with Guy Mowbray, and am excited about it as much as the fans are. I bet the players are excited too.’