England manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted that his team cannot acclimate to the high altitude of Mexico City in time for their round of 16 World Cup match against co-host Mexico on Sunday. The game will be played at the iconic Azteca Stadium, which sits at more than 7,300 feet (2,200 meters) above sea level.
Altitude Advantage for Mexico
Mexico has an undefeated record in 10 World Cup matches at the Azteca Stadium across three tournaments, a streak Tuchel attributes largely to the altitude. “My understanding is that we cannot adapt to the altitude. That is just a huge advantage that Mexico will have,” Tuchel said. “It just takes too much time.” Sports scientists recommend an acclimation period of at least two weeks for elite athletes to perform at high altitude, but England will arrive in Mexico City only on Friday, two days before the match.
Tuchel's Strategy: Hydration Breaks
To mitigate the effects, Tuchel plans to make the most of hydration breaks, which he used effectively in the round of 32 match against Congo. After conceding early, England rallied to a 2-1 win. “I make the most of it,” Tuchel said. “You know that I don’t really love them, I enjoy football more when it plays out with momentum ... but of course they are here and why would I not try to take advantage?”
Historical Context: The Hand of God
The Azteca Stadium also holds painful memories for England, as it was the site of Diego Maradona's infamous “Hand of God” goal and his second goal, considered one of the best in World Cup history, in the 1986 quarterfinals. Argentina eliminated England 2-1. Tuchel believes fate will balance the scales. “We will get it back. It’s karma,” he said. “Karma will come back for us. We will turn it around.”
Preparation and Conditions
England arrived early in the United States and held a pre-tournament training camp in Florida to prepare for high temperatures. They will fly from their base in Kansas City to Mexico City on Friday. Despite the challenges, Tuchel remains focused on advancing past the round of 16.
