FIFA has received a complaint from Ecuador regarding Mexico fans targeting team hotels, just days before England is set to face Mexico in a World Cup last-16 match at Azteca Stadium on Sunday, with kickoff at 1am BST on Monday morning.
England is scheduled to arrive in Mexico City on Friday and stay two nights before the game. However, the team is attempting to keep its hotel location secret due to fears that Mexico supporters may stage disruptive protests similar to those experienced by Ecuador.
Ecuador's complaint to FIFA
Ecuador, who lost to Mexico in the round of 32 on Wednesday, submitted a formal complaint to FIFA after their players were kept awake by Mexico fans the night before the match. From midnight until early morning, supporters gathered outside the Westin Hotel in Mexico City, where Ecuador's squad was staying, using car horns, motorcycles, and loudspeakers to disturb the players.
The Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) released a statement saying, "Such conduct stands in stark contrast to the principles of fair play, equity, and unity that a World Cup should embody. The FEF respectfully calls upon the competent authorities to pay greater attention to these events and to adopt the necessary measures to safeguard the safety of our players, coaching staff, and fans."
Altitude concerns for England
England manager Thomas Tuchel has also raised concerns about the high altitude at Azteca Stadium, which sits approximately 7,200 feet above sea level. The thinner air reduces oxygen intake, creating difficulties for players unaccustomed to such conditions.
Mexico, who have not conceded a goal in the tournament, have played all four matches at high altitude—three at Azteca and one in Guadalajara (around 5,000 feet). Tuchel stated, "The altitude will be a big disadvantage because we cannot physically adapt to it. It just takes too much time. We have only three days in between these matches. It's physically just not possible to adapt to the altitude. That is just a huge advantage that Mexico will have. More obstacles may come, but we are ready for that."
Impact on the match
The combination of potential fan disruptions and altitude challenges places England at a significant disadvantage. The team must prepare to face a Mexico side that is both acclimatized and motivated by home support.
