World Cup 2026: England players’ sleep undisturbed by Mexico fans letting off fireworks outside hotel
Mexico fans tried to wake the England players with music and fireworks near their hotel ahead of their last-16 World Cup tie, but were held back by police.
Footage posted on social media showed a group of fans singing, playing music and setting off fireworks on a street near England’s hotel in Mexico City.
Early indications from the England camp are that this has had little impact on the players.
While police in riot gear line the streets immediately surrounding the hotel, anyone who tries to approach is removed.
The increased security presence comes because Ecuador, which lost 2-0 to Mexico in the last 32 of the World Cup, lodged a noise complaint with world governing body FIFA last week after fans disturbed their sleep with loudspeakers, motorbikes and horns.
The World Cup co-hosts will face England at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium on Sunday evening local time (01:00 BST on Monday).
On Saturday, the team was greeted with cheers and jeers from fans as they left the hotel for training under increased security measures.
England manager Thomas Tuchel dismissed concerns about his team’s treatment in Mexico, saying it was “more pleasant” than he expected and the home fans were “friendly and respectful”.
