The England national team now faces the threat of disrupted preparations ahead of their Round of 16 World Cup clash against Mexico.
Following England’s victory over DR Congo, thousands of Mexican fans began organizing a large-scale demonstration outside the future opponent’s hotel in Mexico City. Supporters plan to stage a “night of hell” by using powerful speakers, car horns, motorcycles, and fireworks to deprive the English players of sleep before the crucial match at the Azteca Stadium, according to Mirror.
This kind of psychological pressure has long been a football tradition in Mexico. Earlier this week, the Ecuadorian national team experienced similar tactics ahead of their Round of 32 match in Mexico City—fans kept the South American players awake from midnight until dawn, after which Mexico secured a 2-0 victory. Following this incident, the Ecuadorian Football Federation has already filed an official complaint with FIFA, citing violations of fair play principles and equal conditions for World Cup participants.
The Football Association of England and the coaching staff are now urgently devising countermeasures. The situation is complicated by FIFA regulations requiring teams to arrive in the host city at least 24 hours before kickoff, as well as the need to acclimate to Mexico City’s high altitude. The British side is working to keep the exact location of their hotel highly confidential and has requested increased police security cordons around their training base and accommodation.
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