MEXICO CITY — For many years, Estadio Azteca in Mexico has been regarded as an impenetrable stronghold.
Situated at an elevation of roughly 7,300 feet and accommodating around 80,000 passionate fans for every match, this venue presents a daunting challenge for any visiting team. Supporters of El Tricolor have helped maintain this legendary aura, especially during the FIFA World Cup.
Before kickoff, chants of “Mexico, Mexico” and “Esto es Mexico” (“This is Mexico”) resonate throughout the stadium, but the atmosphere reaches a peak when the national anthem plays. Almost the entire crowd unites to sing “Mexicanos, al grito de guerra” (“Mexicans, at the cry of war”) with overwhelming pride, creating an almost deafening environment.
It’s clear that opponents are affected by this overwhelming support.
“The last time we sang the anthem at Azteca, we could see the Ecuadorian players feeling the energy of the atmosphere,” said midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo after Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the round of 32 on Tuesday.
As time goes on, the bond between players and fans strengthens. Consequently, El Tri‘s home advantage spills over beyond the confines of the Azteca.
The fervor for this Mexican team has permeated every part of the city. Grocery stores are stocked with eggs stamped with the phrase “y si, si?” (“and if yes?”) — part of a saying that has gained traction during Mexico’s 2026 World Cup journey. Coffee shops display this message on takeout cups, while Mexican-themed decorations can be seen on apartment balconies throughout the area.
This support peaked on Monday evening when fans gathered outside Ecuador’s team hotel to execute #OperacionNoDormir (#OperationNoSleep). Motivated by rival taunts that belittled El Tricolor and suggested an “Aztecazo” — a humiliating loss for Mexico in front of their devoted fans — the supporters felt compelled to respond.
Fans harnessed the power of El Tri‘s home-field advantage, staging their serenade 12 miles away from Azteca nearly 24 hours before the match.
Groups of fans organized a “serenata,” which involves making noise outside the opponents’ hotel to disrupt their sleep, generating hype on social media. Hundreds gathered with drums, trumpets, and horns, creating a lively atmosphere that continued for hours into the early hours of game day.
Initially, Ecuador dismissed the serenade by posting a sleeping emoji on social media. However, the morning of the match saw the Ecuador Football Federation issue a statement condemning the actions.
“In light of certain extra-football actions leading up to the round-of-32 match, the Ecuadorian Football Federation has formally submitted a complaint to FIFA,” the statement declared. “FEF respectfully calls on the relevant authorities to address these incidents and ensure our players’ integrity.”
Back at the Azteca, Mexico fans created a festive atmosphere, as El Tricolor clinched a 2-0 win.
England quickly took notice.
Before their round-of-16 match on Sunday, the Three Lions opted to delay their trip to Mexico City by a day to better adapt to the altitude. Additionally, they changed hotels from where Ecuador stayed to keep their location discreet, but heavy security and online investigations thwarted their plans.
England, in collaboration with FIFA and local authorities, implemented extensive security measures to prevent any serenade. Reports indicated that FIFA assigned a security guard to each hotel floor, ensuring that guests had to display reservation confirmations and IDs to enter.
Additionally, hotel occupants underwent metal detector screenings before using the elevators, while movements within the floors were restricted to specific areas. Hotel staff were required to carry ID badges issued by FIFA to bypass security protocols. Photography and video recording in the hotel lobby were also prohibited for “safety concerns,” a security guard clarified to ESPN.
Outside, Mexico City police and national guard enforced a secure perimeter, blocking streets within a 500-meter radius of the hotel. By 10:30 p.m., around 50 riot shield-equipped guards were stationed outside, prepared to manage any potential serenade.
“FIFA has ensured our safety, so we expect a restful night,” commented England manager Thomas Tuchel on Saturday evening.
Despite the precautions, fans arrived around 12:30 a.m., making a joyful uproar with drums and trumpets that reverberated throughout the area, disturbing guests from neighboring hotels, including this writer.
A small but energetic crowd initially aimed to create as much noise as possible, with passing cars joining in with honks and revving engines as they drove by.
Despite the reported roadblocks, England got CONCACAF’d after all.
Never fails. 🤣#England #Mexico pic.twitter.com/hMM0L0I46g
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) July 5, 2026
The revelry lasted until reinforcements arrived at 2 a.m., with some fans igniting fireworks from a nearby bridge that lit up the sky over the England hotel.
While the crowd and noise level didn’t quite match the serenade staged for Ecuador, Mexico’s supporters certainly made their presence felt.
“The home crowd is, as expected, not in our favor,” Tuchel acknowledged.
Anticipation is building for a full house of 80,824 at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday night, all set to provide Mexico with a competitive edge as they aim to make history against England. Manager Javier Aguirre emphasized the need for El Tricolor to play flawlessly to secure victory, while players insist that the fans are crucial for motivation.
“We face a formidable opponent with remarkable players, but we must leverage our home advantage and this incredible moment. If we maintain composure, confidence, and courage, I believe we have what it takes to succeed,” said Guillermo Ochoa on Friday.
The excitement among their supporters was already evident on Saturday night.