Mexico fans’ serenata outside England hotel woke me up, and probably Three Lions too

MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s Estadio Azteca has long been a daunting venue for visiting teams, standing at about 7,300 feet above sea level and hosting 80,000 fans. The atmosphere there has only intensified as the nation competes in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Before matches, chants of “Mexico, Mexico” and “Esto es Mexico” (“This is Mexico”) reverberate through the stands, culminating in a powerful rendition of the national anthem. The pride displayed by the stadium’s full capacity is palpable and affects even the toughest opponents.

Following Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the round of 32, midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo noted how the spirited atmosphere influenced their rivals. “We could tell the Ecuadorian players felt it just as we did,” he remarked.

The connection between players and fans in Mexico is growing stronger. This passion extends well beyond the Azteca, where items emblazoned with phrases like “y si, si?” have become commonplace in stores and cafés, signifying excitement for Mexico’s World Cup journey.

Last Monday, Mexico fans initiated #OperacionNoDormir (#OperationNoSleep) outside Ecuador’s hotel, a reaction to social media taunts from rival supporters. They aimed to disrupt the Ecuadorian team’s sleep before the match, which stirred a festive atmosphere far from the Azteca.

Hundreds of fans participated in a traditional “serenata,” bringing drums and horns to make noise late into the night. Ecuador initially dismissed the serenade by posting a sleeping emoji but later condemned it through a formal complaint to FIFA.

On the day before their match, England took note and adjusted their plans, delaying their arrival in Mexico City and changing hotels in an attempt to evade a similar serenade. Despite these efforts, they were met with organized fanfare outside their new hotel, prompting increased security from FIFA and local authorities.

Measures included setting up metal detectors and tight access controls for hotel guests. The perimeter was heavily guarded by the national guard and police, hoping to deter any nighttime disturbances.

However, dedicated fans arrived around 12:30 a.m., bringing drums and other instruments to ensure their presence was felt, even waking the author from adjacent hotels. Although the intensity of this serenade was less than that for Ecuador, it still made an impact.

As Mexico prepares to face England in front of a sold-out crowd at Estadio Azteca, the players understand the importance of their support. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa emphasized the need for a strong performance and the role of fans in motivating the team against a legendary opponent.