A Match That Unites and Divides
On Sunday, the World Cup showdown between England and Mexico will spill onto the historic Azteca Stadium, a venue that has witnessed both triumph and heartbreak for the English side.
In the heart of Mexico City, the Duke of Lisbon pub, run by a British‑Mexican partnership, opens its doors to supporters of both teams, offering a menu of classic British fare alongside local brews.
Soccer’s roots in Mexico trace back to the 19th century, when British miners first introduced the sport, and the Azteca has become a stage where England has often stumbled, most famously in 1986 when it fell to Argentina.
Inside the pub, staff and regulars trade banter about which side they will back, while reflecting on the stadium’s legacy and the broader cultural tension that the match evokes.
Across the capital, binational families use humor and mutual respect to bridge the rivalry, with some planning to share the experience together at the Duke of Lisbon.
For Matt Tyler, the stakes are personal; he has said he will toast a victory with Mexican beer and tequila, but will still savor the night regardless of the outcome.