The usually electric atmosphere at Azteca Stadium was palpably deflated as Mexico crashed out of the World Cup to England, leaving fans stunned and heartbroken. The 3-2 defeat has been dubbed 'the most painful Aztecazo' by Mexican media, a label that aptly sums up the anguish etched on the faces of those who witnessed it live.
The dramatic last-16 encounter unfolded on Sunday at Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium, where the hosts had boasted an almost spotless record in competitive matches since its inauguration in 1966. That year, England famously lifted the World Cup trophy – a bittersweet reminder for Mexican fans that their team has only lost three times at the Azteca in over five decades.
ESPN Deportes captured the mood, highlighting how "the hopes of the Mexico City Stadium were dashed in the 101st minute" and that supporters "didn't abandon ship until the final whistle, hanging onto the hope that this might be their year to defy the odds against a powerhouse like England."
Local newspapers El Universal and AS Mexico have splashed the term 'Aztecazo' across their front pages, with AS Mexico declaring it "the definitive ‘Aztecazo’". While El Universal acknowledged that "Mexico exited the World Cup with their heads held high", they also nodded to goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa's pre-match warning about clinical finishing being a hallmark of top teams – a prophecy eerily fulfilled by England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who struck twice in the first half.
Bellingham's early double left many questioning the potential impact of altitude on England's performance. Although Julian Quinones pulled one back for Mexico, Harry Kane's penalty restored the two-goal cushion, only for a red card and subsequent Raul Jimenez penalty to set up a thrilling finish. In the end, England held on for a 3-2 victory.
England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals, who edged Brazil 2-1. For Mexico, this defeat means their dream of reaching the last eight since 1986 remains elusive, with no more matches scheduled at home in this tournament.