England have advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup and will face Mexico on Sunday at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, located 2,240 metres above sea level. The altitude poses a significant physiological challenge that could affect performance.
How altitude affects footballers
As altitude increases, the air becomes thinner. Dr Neil Maxwell, an expert in applied environmental physiology at the University of Brighton, explained that while the percentage of oxygen in the air remains the same, the barometric pressure is lower. "Therefore, the kind of forcing function of that pressure, pushing the oxygen into your red blood cells, is reduced," he said. This means the heart beats faster and breathing increases to compensate, but limits exist. Over 90 minutes, players will feel the effects earlier in the match.
Dr Rebecca Neal of Bournemouth University noted data from unacclimated athletes indicates a 3-9% reduction in total running distance and a 21% decrease in high-velocity running, with midfielders likely most affected. "On top of this, they will alter their pacing and experience greater neuromuscular fatigue," she said.
Altitude illness and acclimatisation
Maxwell warned that rapid ascent without acclimatisation risks altitude illness, including headaches, dizziness, disturbed sleep, and rarely more severe forms above 2,500 metres. The England team is scheduled to arrive two days before the match. "There is a bit of a myth that you've got 24 hours of grace," Maxwell said. "Your body starts reacting to the hypoxia straight away. Within six hours, they're going to be feeling the effects."
Ball flight and Magnus effect
Prof Barton Smith of Utah State University noted air density in Mexico City is about 25% less than at sea level, reducing drag and the Magnus effect. "When the ball moves less, there cannot be as much finesse to shots," he said, though short shots may be less affected.
England's disadvantage and possible mitigation
Neal highlighted research showing high-altitude teams score more and concede fewer goals, with every 1,000m altitude difference giving the home team approximately a half-goal advantage, especially in the second half. Maxwell noted a cross-adaptive benefit from heat training, as England have prepared in warm conditions. "For a team such as England, with medical support and careful preparation, the greatest concern is likely to be the physiological strain caused by hypoxia," he said.
Neal added that research on heat adaptation crossover is mixed. "Instead, England has opted to focus on mitigating the impact of heat and any final 'least bad' approaches for this specific game," she said.
Short-term fixes and tactics
Maxwell advised England players to relax, stay hydrated, and adapt tactics. "They've got to be trying to rely upon what is in their control rather than what is not in their control," he said. He suggested using substitutes critically, pressing less, and keeping possession to conserve energy. "I'm not saying they won't have some intense bouts to try and score, but they will probably have to keep hold of the ball more," he said. Neal stressed that without time to adapt, focusing on tactics during the second half will be key.
