England team booed as they arrive at hotel in Mexico City ahead of World Cup match

England's football team faced a mixed reception upon their arrival at a hotel in Mexico City on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The squad was greeted with both cheers and boos as they prepared for their last-16 World Cup match against the tournament co-hosts, Mexico, scheduled for Sunday at 01:00 BST.

Mixed Reception for England Squad

The Three Lions' arrival was met with heightened security measures after Ecuador, who were eliminated by Mexico in the previous round, lodged a noise complaint with FIFA. The Ecuador players reported being kept awake by local fans using loudspeakers and horns outside their hotel. England aimed to keep their hotel location undisclosed, fearing that it might be leaked, but hundreds of local supporters gathered outside to greet the team.

While some fans chanted “Mexico,” others cheered for England. Manager Thomas Tuchel received a warm welcome, with enthusiastic cheers from supporters outside the hotel. As the team departed for training later that afternoon, the crowd shifted, with a larger number of fans cheering them on.

Security Measures Heightened

In response to the potential for disturbances, the England team will have access to natural sleep remedies and white noise machines to combat noise disruptions during their stay. Players and staff are also encouraged to bring earplugs or sleep bands. England's attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers expressed his concern, stating, “I won’t be happy if it wakes me up – I’ll be honest.”

The altitude in Mexico City adds another challenge for the players, as some athletes often struggle to sleep in higher elevations. The team is well aware of the obstacles they face, but they remain focused on their preparations.

Weather Concerns for Upcoming Match

As the match day approaches, weather conditions are a significant concern. Daily thunderstorms are typical for Mexico City during this time of year, and forecasts indicate a particularly high risk of severe storms on Sunday. These storms could bring frequent lightning and even hail, which may impact the timing of the match.

Originally, FIFA considered moving the match earlier due to these forecasted storms, but the Football Association and Mexico's football federation opposed the change. The kickoff will remain at 18:00 local time, although delays are still possible due to weather conditions.

• Match: England vs. Mexico
• Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
• Time: 18:00 local time
• Location: Azteca Stadium, Mexico City
• Security: Increased presence of National Guard and police

England has arrived prepared to face not only the Mexican team but also the challenges posed by the environment and local support for their opponents.