Most England fans remember the 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico™ quarter-final against Argentina for all the wrong reasons — Diego Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" goal, followed by his breathtaking "Goal of the Century." Oliver Craxton remembers that afternoon at Mexico City Stadium rather differently. It was the day he met his future wife.

Oliver, an England supporter, found himself seated next to Sofía, a Mexican fan attending the match as a neutral, after the pair ended up in the wrong seats by accident. A shared love of Manchester United sparked a conversation, drinks followed, and Sofía showed Oliver around Mexico City. Letters crossed the Atlantic in the months that followed.

A proposal at the pyramids

Oliver returned to Mexico in 1989 and proposed to Sofía at the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán. The couple married in 1990 and have made their home in London ever since — always meaning to return to the stadium where their story began, but never quite finding the occasion.

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ provided the perfect reason. When the draw paired Mexico against England in a round of 16 fixture at Estadio Azteca on 5 July, the Craxtons booked their trip without hesitation.

Back at the Azteca — 40 years on

"We always wanted to come back to the Azteca Stadium because it's just amazing," Sofía said during a tour of the ground ahead of the match. "We've been here in Mexico City many times, but we didn't have the chance to come to see the stadium. And when we knew there was going to be the World Cup here, we decided we are going to come to the stadium — even if it is from a distance."

Oliver was equally moved. The couple will sit in the stands together on 5 July, 40 years after first meeting on those same terraces — this time as husband and wife, watching their respective countries face each other.

A complicated loyalty

The fixture has stirred mixed feelings in the Craxton household. "When they chose the countries, the guy at the BBC said, 'Mexico and England could meet.' And I thought, 'Oh, my God!' I thought that would be great, but now I think we're a bit scared," Sofía admitted. Oliver agreed — though he is clear about where part of his heart lies. "I consider myself to be an honorary Mexican," he said. "I have a Mexican football shirt, and I'll be wearing both tomorrow."

Asked who they want to win, Sofía spoke for them both: "We'll be happy whoever wins."

Football unites people

The Craxtons see their own story reflected in the crowds gathering around them at FIFA World Cup 2026. In Mexico City's historic Zócalo, Sofía watched young visitors from across the world talking, laughing, and making connections — just as she and Oliver had done four decades earlier.

"Football unites people," she said simply. Oliver put it his own way: "It really brings people together. It's just a sport that everybody can enjoy and play if they want to."