England's quest for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals will take them into one of football's most intimidating arenas, with hosts Mexico backed by a passionate nation and decades of history at the legendary Estadio Azteca.
Long before kick-off, Mexico City had already been swept up in World Cup fever.
Giant screens lined Paseo de la Reforma, fans flooded the streets in green, white and red, and the sound of car horns echoed across the capital as excitement reached boiling point ahead of Sunday's last-16 clash.
For Mexico, this is more than just another knockout match.
It is an opportunity to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 40 years, with belief soaring after an unbeaten defensive record and an extraordinary home record at the Azteca, where they have lost only two of their last 88 competitive matches.
England only arrived in Mexico on Friday, leaving little time to adapt to the unique challenges awaiting them.
The Azteca sits 7,220 feet above sea level, presenting a stark contrast to the controlled conditions they experienced earlier in the tournament in Dallas, Atlanta, Boston and New Jersey.
The home atmosphere promises to be equally demanding.
England had hoped to keep their base away from public attention after Mexico supporters famously disrupted Ecuador's preparations before the previous round.
However, despite tight security, hundreds of fans gathered outside England's hotel following the team's arrival.
Rather than being intimidated, England manager Thomas Tuchel embraced the occasion.
"We saw the excitement and the emotions of the people when we arrived," Tuchel said.
"They were emotional but also very respectful.
"You can feel the energy of the city immediately. This is another level. It feels like a true World Cup occasion in one of football's iconic stadiums."
The German coach acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed confidence in his experienced squad.
"Mexico will bring intensity, passion and incredible support. The atmosphere can give the home team momentum, but we have players who know how to handle these situations."
The Azteca holds a special place in football history - and not always for England.
Their last World Cup appearance at the stadium came in 1986 when Diego Maradona produced two of the game's most famous moments.
His controversial "Hand of God" goal was followed minutes later by his stunning solo effort, widely regarded as one of the greatest goals ever scored, as Argentina eliminated England 2-1.
England's relationship with Mexico stretches back even further.
At the 1970 World Cup, Sir Alf Ramsey's side arrived as defending champions but endured a turbulent campaign.
The decision to import their own food reportedly upset local supporters, while captain Bobby Moore's arrest in Colombia over the alleged theft of a bracelet threatened to derail England's tournament before it even began. Moore was later cleared of all wrongdoing.
England's title defence ultimately ended in heartbreaking fashion as West Germany overturned a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 after extra time in the quarter-finals.
That defeat has long been linked with goalkeeper Gordon Banks' sudden illness, famously dubbed "Montezuma's Revenge," which ruled him out on the eve of the match.
His replacement, Peter Bonetti, endured a difficult afternoon as England surrendered their crown.
History alone will not win Sunday's contest, but current form suggests England face one of their toughest tests yet.
Tuchel's side needed a late Harry Kane goal to overcome DR Congo 2-1 in the previous round and have looked vulnerable defensively throughout the tournament.
Mexico, meanwhile, have yet to concede a single goal and produced arguably their strongest performance so far by defeating Ecuador 2-0 to reach the last 16.
Televisa reporter Gibran Araige Rodriguez believes the significance of the match cannot be overstated.
"This is the biggest football match in Mexico's history," he said.
"It has been 40 years since we reached the World Cup quarter-finals, and the whole country believes this team can do it.
"It makes it even bigger that the opponent is England. Everyone here watches the Premier League, so players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka are well known."
While optimistic, he remains cautious.
"We're confident because Mexico has played well and hasn't conceded a goal, but this is England. We know the quality they have."
He also expects the atmosphere inside the Azteca to surpass anything seen during Mexico's victory over Ecuador.
"I've never experienced scenes like those after that win," he said.
"But if Mexico beats England, it will be even more unforgettable."
With history, expectation and a place in the quarter-finals on the line, England must overcome not only an unbeaten Mexican side but one of world football's most daunting environments.
The Azteca has humbled great teams before, and Tuchel's squad will need one of their finest performances to ensure they do not become its latest victims.
