Mexico City Tightens Security as National Guard Guards England Hotel for Mexico-England World Cup Clash

England arrived at their Mexico City hotel under enhanced security for Sunday’s World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico, with the reception described as a mix of cheers and jeers as Thomas Tuchel was loudly cheered by fans outside the hotel.

The Guardian said hundreds of fans were waiting when England’s coach arrived, with many booing while others chanted “Mexico,” and it reported that at least one supporter held up an England shirt.

Ambito

BBC reported that members of Mexico’s National Guard lined the entrance to England’s hotel while police officers in riot gear stood next to barriers on the road outside the hotel.

England’s players were also preparing for threats from weather and altitude at the Azteca Stadium, where kick-off was scheduled for 6pm local time (1am Monday in the UK) and Mexico were unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches at the stadium.

The BBC added that England attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers said: "I won't be happy if it wakes me up - I'll be honest."

Mexico City tightened security and capped crowds for the Mexico-England match after four people died during celebrations following Mexico’s 2-0 win over Ecuador at Estadio Azteca.

The Associated Press reported that Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada announced the measures on Friday, saying Mexico would double security and limit capacity at the “Angel of Independence” and at the fan festival in the city’s main square.

Associated Press

The New York Post said Mexico was ramping up security after celebrations turned deadly, and it reported that city officials said three people died from asphyxiation and another died from cardiac arrest after an epileptic seizure.

AP said Pablo Vázquez announced only 25,000 people would be allowed access to the Angel monument, and it reported that security would be reinforced along Paseo de la Reforma with 6,000 officers, double the number deployed on June 30.

The New York Post also described FIFA officials briefly considering moving kickoff up to 12 p.m. from 6 p.m. local time due to weather concerns before backtracking after complaints from both teams.

FIFA’s rescheduling discussions centered on safety and security concerns for supporters, with The New York Times reporting that The Athletic revealed the primary drivers were worries about fans of both teams attending the game.

The New York Times said Sunday’s match would start as originally planned at 6pm local time (8pm ET; 1am Monday BST) after emergency discussions over bringing it forward by six hours.

It also reported that discussions intensified after four Mexico fans died during the celebrations following the country’s round-of-32 win over Ecuador, and it said organizers planned to avoid a repeat of the tragic events.

The BBC described how England’s preparations were disrupted on Friday during a chaotic five-and-a-half-hour period when FIFA was considering bringing the match forward by six hours because of forecast storms, before the game would start as originally scheduled.

The BBC added that the match kickoff time of 18:00 local time remained subject to weather, noting that Mexico’s last match against Ecuador at the same venue was delayed by an hour because of thunder and lightning.