FIFA World Cup 2026: England's Rice says "we don't care where we play" ahead of Mexico's clash
Mexico City, July 4
England midfielder Declan Rice said the upcoming World Cup clash against Mexico will feel like an away game due to Mexico's strong home advantage and fan support.
However, he stressed that England are focused on their performance and not the venue. Rice also acknowledged the historic significance of the Azteca Stadium, noting its iconic football moments, but added that England will treat it like any other stadium and aim to "do a job" in the match.
"It's kind of going to be like an away game for us. They've played every game in Mexico so far, been at home the whole tournament, so for us it's just being able to go there and deal with what's going to be thrown at us," Rice said while speaking to Lions' Den as per Goal.com.
"For us, we don't care where we play. To us, it's just a stadium. Obviously, the Azteca is known as where Maradona done the 'Hand of God', like just loads of different iconic moments. For us, we're just turning up to do a job. Obviously it's going to be unreal, but it's just another stadium we get to play at," he added.
The high-octane FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 clash between England and Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico will kick off on Monday at 1 am UK time, as originally scheduled, after the emergence of reports of a change in timings due to bad weather, as reported by Sky Sports.
Thunderstorms and bad weather are forecasted to affect the match at Mexico's fortress around the time of kick-off.
Due to this, reports emerged that FIFA were considering a change in game timings by moving it forward by six hours, and discussions about it were underway with the English and Mexican FAs.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian who grew up watching football, I respect England's professionalism here. Rice is just being diplomatic - every player knows the Azteca is special. But honestly, thunderstorms at 1am UK time? That's crazy. Hope the players stay safe, that's more important than the match. 🤞
Typical English arrogance - "we don't care where we play" - but you know deep down they're worried. Mexico at home is a fortress, especially at the Azteca. India knows about passionate crowds (think Eden Gardens for cricket), and this will be ten times worse for England. Good luck dealing with that "just another stadium" 😂
As an American who's been to the Azteca, I can tell you - it's not just a stadium. The altitude, the noise, the history - it all matters. Rice is just saying what players say to keep focus. But Mexico will have the crowd behind them, and that's a real advantage. Should be a cracking game though! 🇲🇽🏴
In India, we have this saying - "stadium mein bheed, team ka khauf" (crowd in stadium, fear for the team). Mexico's fans are legendary. Rice might be calm now, but just wait. Also, rescheduling the match at 1am due to thunderstorms in July? Seems like FIFA is playing games with the schedule. England should just focus and play their game. 🏟️
S We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.