England's national football team is set to take on Mexico in a pivotal Group B encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, July 5. The match, hosted at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, kicks off at 4:00 PM local time (10:00 PM BST). Both teams are vying for a spot in the knockout stages, with England needing at least a draw to secure progression, while Mexico aims for a win to boost their chances.
Where to Watch: TV Channels and Live Stream
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on BBC One and ITV, with coverage starting at 9:30 PM BST. Streaming options are available via BBC iPlayer and ITVX, both free with a valid TV license. In the United States, Fox Sports and Telemundo will air the game, with streaming on Fox Sports app and Peacock. Canadian fans can catch it on TSN and RDS, while Australian viewers can watch on SBS and Optus Sport.
Group Standings and Implications
England currently leads Group B with four points after a win and a draw, while Mexico sits third with two points. A victory for England would guarantee top spot, while a loss could see them slip to second or even third if other results go against them. Mexico, needing three points to keep their round-of-16 hopes alive, are expected to adopt an attacking approach. According to England manager Gareth Southgate, "We know Mexico will be desperate, but we are focused on our game plan and confident in our ability to control the match."
Team News and Predicted Lineups
England will be without suspended midfielder Declan Rice, but captain Harry Kane is fit to start after recovering from a minor knock. Mexico's star forward Hirving Lozano is doubtful with a hamstring issue, but head coach Jaime Lozano remains optimistic. The predicted lineup for England includes Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Bellingham, Phillips, Foden, Saka, Grealish, and Kane. Mexico is expected to field Ochoa, Sánchez, Montes, Moreno, Gallardo, Álvarez, Herrera, Corona, Vega, Martín, and Jiménez.
Historical Context and Key Stats
This is the first World Cup meeting between the two nations since 2010, when England won 1-0. Overall, England have won four of their seven encounters, with Mexico winning two and one draw. The match is expected to draw a global audience of over 500 million viewers, according to FIFA estimates. The winner will likely face the runner-up of Group A, which includes hosts USA and Canada.
How to Watch Without Cable
For cord-cutters, live streaming options abound. In the UK, BBC iPlayer and ITVX require a TV license but are free. US viewers can use Sling TV, FuboTV, or YouTube TV, which offer free trials. VPN services can also help access geo-blocked streams. Ensure your internet connection is stable for HD streaming.
