Tuchel regrets not eating Azteca turf after win over Mexico
September 15, 2026 22:10
Thomas Tuchel said he regrets not eating some of the grass at Mexico's Azteca Stadium after England’s 3-2 World Cup last-16 victory there in July. He made the remark during an interview with Daniel Sturridge for an FA feature reflecting on England’s tournament.
The win at the Azteca came despite England being reduced to 10 men for much of the second half after Jarell Quansah was sent off. England progressed to the semi-finals, where they lost to Argentina, and then finished third by beating France.
KEY CONTEXT
Tuchel was in charge of England for that World Cup campaign and described the Azteca victory as one of the highlights of the tournament. He pointed to a strong sense of togetherness in the squad, citing players’ immediate reaction when Jordan Henderson suffered a broken arm after falling over an advertising hoarding while celebrating the Mexico win. England’s victory at the Azteca was notable: Mexico had only lost there twice previously in 90 competitive home matches.
WHY IT MATTERS
The episode underlines both a memorable on-field result and the dressing-room cohesion Tuchel says he has built. Those elements are central to his view that the squad is progressing under his management and that there is a platform to build on for upcoming competitions. Separately, some statements in the interview are Tuchel’s assessments or aspirations (for example, his confidence about ending England’s long wait for a major trophy); those remain his opinions rather than established outcomes.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
England’s next scheduled match is against World Cup winners Spain on 26 September in the opening round of the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League. Tuchel has also indicated the 2028 European Championship is on his agenda, so how the squad performs in the Nations League will be an early indicator of progress toward those targets.
KEY FACTS
- England beat Mexico 3-2 in the World Cup last-16 match at the Azteca Stadium.
- England played much of the second half with 10 men after Jarell Quansah received a red card.
- England reached the World Cup semi-finals, lost to Argentina, and then beat France to finish third.
- Jordan Henderson sustained a broken arm after falling over an advertising hoarding while celebrating the Azteca victory.
- Mexico had only suffered two previous competitive defeats at the Azteca prior to that match.