World Cup 2026: Mexico vs England Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds supplied by Betway and accurate when this was published.

England travel to the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to meet Mexico in the Round of 16 on Monday morning, with the game starting at 02:00 CAT. El Tri come in unbeaten and still without a goal against them after a 2-nil win over Ecuador in the Round of 32, while England fought back to beat Congo DR 2-1 thanks to two goals from Harry Kane. A quarter final spot is up for grabs at one of the most daunting grounds in the game. BettingTop10 South Africa reckons this will be among the noisiest nights of the knockout stage. Our dedicated section has all our World Cup betting tips.

Mexico

I have been really impressed by Mexico, and Javier Aguirre has them pressing high and defending together, which is why they are still the only side at this World Cup that has not conceded. Julian Quinones has become their top attacking player, and Luis Romo and Erik Lira have run the midfield and supplied the runners going in behind. The thin air and the fierce atmosphere at the Azteca, where Mexico have never been beaten at a World Cup, are a real advantage. As I see it, Aguirre will stick with the same disciplined block that has worked for them all tournament.

Probable Lineup: Rangel; Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Lira; Mora, Romo; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quinones.

England

To me England look the better rounded team of the two, with Thomas Tuchel combining a strong foundation with genuine attacking quality. Harry Kane is among the goals, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka can win games in the final third, and Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson run the centre of the park. The test is the altitude and the hostile crowd, which can sap even top teams in the closing stages. I believe England are good enough to win, but they must be patient and ruthless.

Probable Lineup: Pickford; Spence, Guehi, Konsa, O'Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.

I see a tense, close knockout game between two well drilled teams, with the altitude slowing the pace more than normal. England have the sharper finishing, and I think a single moment from Kane or Saka decides it as Mexico's clean sheet run finally ends. My forecast: Mexico 0 England 1.

BTTS: No (1.74)

My pick is BTTS: No, as both back lines are in great form and neither coach will gamble in a knockout game at altitude. Mexico have not let in a goal all tournament and England have been tough to break down, so I expect at least one team to fail to score. At 1.74, a clean sheet for one of the sides looks the value option.