Norway hosts France in Group I in 2026

Ovation of 80 thousand at the Colossus of Santa Úrsula

Gilberto Mora, Raúl Jiménez and Julián Quiñones were the footballers most acclaimed by the tricolor fans at the Mexico City Stadium. The three received a loud ovation when the local sound announced the starting eleven for the match against England, corresponding to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup in North America.

The audience, close to 80 thousand people, filled the venue and echoed with each name. All of Javier Aguirre’s players were applauded: Raúl Rangel, Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo, Erik Lira, Luis Romo and Roberto Alvarado. But midfielder Mora, forward Jiménez and winger Quiñones generated the most deafening screams.

His performance throughout the tournament has been decisive. In the four previous games, these three players have earned the recognition of the fans. The connection with the public was immediate since his nicknames were mentioned: “Morita”, the “Wolf of Tepeji” and the “Pantera”.

On the contrary, when it was the turn of the English players, the boos were overwhelming. All members of the Rosa Team, including technical director Thomas Tuchel, were whistled by those in attendance.

The support that was felt before the initial whistle

The Mexican fans made themselves felt strongly even before the ball rolled. The atmosphere at the Coloso de Santa Úrsula was intense, with clear support for the local team and obvious pressure towards the rival. This factor can influence the development of the match, although the result will depend on the performance on the field.

A heroic triumph in the Colossus of Santa Úrsula

England showed character and overcame all adversity to beat Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium, in a match corresponding to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Jude Bellingham, with a double, and Harry Kane, from a penalty, sealed British qualification.

The match was marked by height, a hostile crowd and an hour delay due to a thunderstorm. Despite playing with one man less for much of the second half, the English maintained their solidity and left behind the bad experience of the tie against Argentina in 1986.

Mexico crashed again in the round of the 16 best, a barrier that it has not been able to overcome since 1994. El Tri accumulates eliminations in that phase in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and now 2026, despite having reached the quarterfinals in its two previous World Cups at home.

What’s coming for England

The team led by Gareth Southgate – currently fourth in the FIFA ranking – will travel to Miami to face Norway in the quarterfinals next Saturday. English fans dream of repeating the glory of 1966, when they won the title at home.

The end of an era in Canarinha

Neymar confirmed on Sunday that he will not wear the Brazil shirt again. The decision came after the 2-1 defeat against Norway in the round of 16 of the World Cup.

“I tried. It started here at MetLife Stadium, and it ended here. Now it’s over.”

The 34-year-old forward played his first game for Brazil on August 10, 2010, precisely in that same setting, in a friendly against the United States. Against Norway, he came off the bench and scored from a penalty in the final minutes.

His participation in the tournament was limited by a persistent right calf injury. He only appeared in two of Brazil’s five games, including 15 minutes against Scotland in the group stage.

Considered the best Brazilian player for more than a decade, the star had seen his impact diminish in recent years due to physical problems.

With his departure, Brazil enters a period of transition. A new generation must assume leadership. Defender Marquinhos asked for patience:

“May people be patient with the new generation and support them from the beginning.”

The national team now faces the challenge of rebuilding itself without its top figure.