England defender Marc Guéhi has conceded that Mexico are the favourites heading into the sides' FIFA World Cup 2026 last-16 encounter at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City this Sunday.

England booked their place in the round of 16 with a 2-1 comeback victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, setting up what promises to be one of the most demanding knockout ties of the tournament.

Into the cauldron

Guéhi pointed to Mexico's home advantage, familiarity with the conditions, and their flawless defensive record as the key reasons why Thomas Tuchel's side enter the match as underdogs.

"We know they're a good team and they've got the fans on their side, so it'll be going into the cauldron," the Crystal Palace centre-back told FIFA, via ESPN. "But it'll be a fun test."

"I'd say they're kind of favourites. They're at home and they know the environment a lot better. They haven't conceded so far and have got a perfect record. You come to these competitions to play against top teams, in top atmospheres. It's a match we're all looking forward to."

A fortress with history

The Estadio Azteca presents a formidable challenge in more ways than one. Perched 2,200 metres above sea level, the altitude alone places enormous physical demands on visiting sides, and England will need to reproduce the resilience they showed against DR Congo if they are to progress.

Mexico have lost only two of their 89 competitive home matches at the venue — a record that underlines just how difficult it is to emerge victorious there. England's history at the Azteca also carries weight: it is the same ground where Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' knocked them out of the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina, exactly 40 years ago.

Despite the odds, Guéhi made clear that England's squad welcome the challenge. "You come to these competitions to play against top teams, in top atmospheres," he added — a sentiment that suggests Tuchel's players are far from intimidated by the occasion.