Tonight's matches Mexico vs England and Brazil vs Norway will determine the second quarterfinal pair of the 2026 World Cup. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

The World Cup, excessively stretched due to the controversial increase in participants, is nearing its climax. Of the 104 scheduled matches, 90 have been played. The remaining 14 are like dessert after a meal. A delicacy that should leave a pleasant aftertaste for the next four years. The last thing is remembered. The formula of the cinematic spy-philosopher of the 70s remains relevant.

The match Mexico vs England at the Azteca will be the first clash of group winners at the 2026 World Cup. Mexico marched through Group A (South Africa, South Korea, and the Czech Republic). England, after beating Croatia and Panama, stumbled slightly against Ghana.

African teams are a headache for Thomas Tuchel. DR Congo nearly knocked the English out in the first round of the playoffs. If not for Harry Kane, the Three Lions would be watching the World Cup in local pubs.

However, Mexico will try to give the English such TV viewing today. And they have every reason to do so. Javier Aguirre's team is playing the home tournament in one breath. 8:0 in four matches speaks for itself. The last victim in the round of 16 was Ecuador.

The head-to-head record of 4:27 in favor of England is not particularly indicative. First, nine of the ten matches were friendlies, and second, the last one took place 16 years ago, when Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, and Steven Gerrard played for England.

An open game in Mexico City is not expected. The price of a mistake is too high. But a boring spectacle like the first half of the night match France vs Paraguay is also unlikely.

The English team undoubtedly has a stronger squad. The Mexicans have enthusiasm, temperament, tournament background, and crazy fan support. By the way, Mexico will play its last match of the 2026 World Cup at the Azteca today. Starting from the quarterfinals, the tournament will move entirely to the USA.

If Brazil has a concept of an "uncomfortable opponent," it is certainly Norway. Strangely, the five-time champions have never beaten the Vikings. One of Brazil's two losses to Norway occurred in the 1998 World Cup. Bebeto's goal (78) at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille was canceled out by goals from Tore André Flo (83) and Kjetil Rekdal (89, penalty).

Since then, Norway has not weakened in collective play, and Erling Haaland has taken over the scoring, with five goals at the 2026 World Cup (50% of the team's goals). The same duties in Carlo Ancelotti's team, in the absence of Neymar (who went to the tournament as a ceremonial figure), are successfully performed by Vinicius, who has scored one goal less.

The Italian strategist's philosophy is based on a combination of an experienced central line (Alisson, Marquinhos, Casemiro) and explosive young wingers (Vinicius, Vitor Roque, Endrick). Ståle Solbakken's Norwegian scheme relies on two outstanding individuals: playmaker Martin Ødegaard and the aforementioned goal machine Haaland.

Weaknesses are obvious for both teams. Norway scores in every match but also concedes. Brazil at the 2026 World Cup does not have the overwhelming power of previous legendary generations. Nevertheless, invaluable experience in knockout matches and squad depth could give the South Americans a slight advantage.

The 23rd FIFA World Cup started on June 11 and will end on July 19. The tournament is being held for the first time in three countries – the USA, Canada, and Mexico – and for the first time features 48 teams.

After the group stage, the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advanced. The full schedule and results of the round of 16 matches are here.