Mexico Wiretap

The World Cup match between England and Mexico has surpassed the United States' game against Belgium to become the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history, according to preliminary Nielsen figures.

More than 44 million viewers tuned into Sunday's matchup across both networks, with 23.2 million watching on Telemundo and 21.742 million on Fox. The combined total of 44.8 million exceeds the roughly 42 million who watched the U.S.-Belgium game one night later.

The Fox broadcast became the most-watched English-language World Cup telecast in U.S. history not involving the USMNT. Telemundo's audience set a new record for Spanish-language soccer coverage in the country.

Fox's viewership peaked at 25.715 million near the match's conclusion, as England held on with 10 men to secure a dramatic win over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.

Nielsen's final figures are expected to rise further once complete data is compiled for both Sunday's and Monday's broadcasts.

The atmosphere inside Azteca Stadium matched the tournament's most intense environments. England's sizable American fanbase paired with Mexico's significantly larger following to produce the record viewership. The round of 16 matchup carried extra weight given Mexico's historic success at that venue.

Four quarterfinal matches remain on the schedule, though none are expected to match Sunday's viewership given their earlier broadcast windows. France faces Morocco on Thursday, followed by Spain against Belgium on Friday.

Saturday's doubleheader features Norway against England, followed by defending champion Argentina against Switzerland. That slate, featuring stars including Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Lionel Messi, holds the strongest chance of drawing the tournament's next major audience.

The two semifinals next week will air at 3:00 PM ET on Tuesday and Wednesday, which will mean lower viewership in the United States regardless of the matchups. The final will be played on Sunday, July 19th at 3:00 PM ET with a rematch of 2022 featuring France and Argentina likely the matchup that would generate the biggest possible audience in the United States.

England defeated co-host Mexico 3-2 Sunday at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, becoming the first team to beat Mexico at that venue in a World Cup, per ESPN. The victory, achieved with 10 men, sends England to the quarterfinals for the third straight tournament.

Mexico held a 1.94 to 1.55 edge in expected goals and a 20-6 shot advantage. 

Jude Bellingham scored twice in 98 seconds to give England a two-goal cushion before Julian Quinones pulled one back before halftime. England right back Jarell Quansah received a straight red card in the 54th minute following a video review for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo.

Within minutes of going down to 10 men, Harry Kane extended the lead from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Raul Rangel brought down Anthony Gordon. The goal was Kane's sixth of the tournament and 14th of his World Cup career, drawing level with Gerd Muller of West Germany for fifth on the all-time list.

Kane then became the first player since at least 1966 to both score and concede a penalty in the same World Cup match, after a video review judged him to have fouled Brian Gutierrez. Raul Jimenez converted the resulting spot kick to set up a tense finish.

Mexico twice rallied from two-goal deficits but could not breach a 10-man England defense. The result condemned Mexico to a round-of-16 exit for the eighth time since their last quarterfinal appearance on home soil in 1986.

England face Norway in Miami Gardens on Saturday in the quarterfinals. 

England is taking steps to protect its players' sleep before facing Mexico in the World Cup round of 16, wary of tactics used by loud local fans to disrupt visiting teams.

Thomas Tuchel's squad meets Mexico on Sunday at 1 a.m. BST Monday, with the match airing on BBC One and iPlayer. Players arrive in Mexico City on Friday, spending two nights in the capital before kickoff.

The precaution follows a formal complaint from Ecuador to FIFA. Mexico supporters reportedly kept Ecuador's squad awake using loudspeakers, horns and motorcycles outside their hotel.

England intends to keep its hotel location private, though officials worry the site could surface on social media. Players and staff without personal sleep aids like ear plugs or sleep bands will receive natural remedies or white noise machines.

The early arrival breaks from England's usual pattern of landing the night before matches. FIFA requires a partially open training session one day prior to kickoff, previously held in Kansas, but England has now shifted that session to Mexico.

Altitude presents another obstacle. Mexico City sits roughly 2,240 meters above sea level, reducing available oxygen and challenging unacclimatized players. Mexico has played all four of its World Cup matches at elevation, three at Azteca Stadium and one in Guadalajara.

"The altitude will be a big disadvantage because we cannot physically adapt to it," said Tuchel. "And in four days, it's just impossible. More obstacles may come, but we are ready for that.

"This is just something with which we will have to deal with. And I think we showed the attitude that we are ready for that."

Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 Tuesday at Estadio Azteca, earning the nation's first World Cup knockout win in four decades. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored within a nine-minute first-half span to send the co-hosts into the round of 16.

The result matched Mexico's only previous knockout triumph, a 2-0 defeat of Bulgaria at the same venue in 1986. Mexico held a 1.05 to 0.75 edge in xG (expected goals) despite a one-hour lightning delay before kickoff.

Ecuador entered the tournament ranked 19th in Transfermarkt squad valuation among the 48 World Cup nations, compared to Mexico's 27th-place standing.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre reflected on the historic occasion afterward.

"This win means a lot to me," said Aguirre. "I was one of those players who couldn't make it to the fifth game [quarterfinals]. It hurts a lot.

"You get past the group stage and perform well, but then there's a critical error that takes you out. Today, the connection with the fans gave us a boost. This is a spectacular stadium. It's a great night for Mexicans."

Quinones' strike was his third of the tournament, lifting him to second on Mexico's all-time World Cup scoring list behind Luis Hernandez and Javier Hernandez, who each totaled four. Jimenez's second goal pushed his international tally to 47, surpassing Jared Borgetti and leaving him five short of Javier Hernandez's national record.

Tuesday's clean sheet made Mexico the fourth team in World Cup history to win its opening four matches without conceding. The co-hosts are also unbeaten in 10 World Cup games played in Mexico City.

Mexico became the first CONCACAF nation to eliminate a CONMEBOL side in a World Cup knockout match. Ecuador's night ended with defender Piero Hincapie receiving a red card in stoppage time under a new rule penalizing players for covering their mouths while addressing opponents.

Mexico next host either England or DR Congo at Azteca on Sunday.

Mexico completed a perfect group stage Wednesday, defeating Czechia 3-0 to secure top spot in Group A and a place in the World Cup knockout rounds. Mexico dominated play, finishing with a 1.79-to-0.47 edge in expected goals.

Alvaro Fidalgo scored the clinching third goal late in the match, capping off the win at Estadio Azteca. The victory gave Mexico three wins in three games to open the tournament.

Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa entered in the 78th minute, marking his appearance in a sixth World Cup and his fourth time earning minutes at the tournament. A long ball from Ochoa started the sequence that led directly to Fidalgo's goal. The 40-year-old, currently a backup to starter Raul Rangel, received a thunderous ovation from the crowd at a stadium where he built his reputation during a standout career with Club America.

"Obviously, it would be extraordinary. Something really cool for 'Memo.' For me, he's a legend of the Mexican national team," said winger Alexis Vega ahead of the match. "I think he's a player who has always been ready to play for the national team. In the end, 'Vasco' will make the decision. I think the 26 of us here are ready if we get the opportunity."

Rangel, 26, started Mexico's two previous group stage victories over South Korea and South Africa, results that had already clinched the team's place in the knockout rounds.

"Whether it's Memo or whoever plays, everyone is prepared for whatever comes their way," said midfielder Roberto Alvarado. "We'd be happy to see 'Memo' in the net. Obviously, we know that 'Tala' is doing things in the best way possible."

Mexico secured a 1-0 victory over South Korea on Thursday, clinching first place in Group A and a spot in the knockout round despite trailing in expected goals for the match.

Luis Romo scored in the 50th minute, capitalizing on a fumbled catch by goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu to tap the ball home at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. South Korea finished with a 0.69-to-0.48 edge in xG (expected goals), reflecting a tightly contested match despite the scoreline.

Mexico's performance drew boos from the home crowd at halftime, with the team struggling to find rhythm in possession during the opening 30 minutes. Coach Javier Aguirre left attacking options Gilberto Mora and Alvaro Fidalgo on the bench, opting instead for a more physical lineup.

Raul Jimenez forced a smart save from Kim in the 75th minute, while goalkeeper Raul Rangel denied Cho Gue-sung with a late stop to preserve the result. South Korea did not register a shot on target until the 88th minute.

"No, it's not like we don't care, but we're not 100 per cent like 'Ay, we have to win, we have to win!'" Romo had said before the match. "We have to live the game, we have to prepare ourselves well, we need to improve our performance. Of course we want victory but we can't oblige ourselves or put pressure on ourselves."

The win made Mexico the first team to qualify from the group stage. Their round-of-32 match will take place at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. South Korea can still secure second place in the group with a win or draw against South Africa next Wednesday.

Mexico launched the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca on Thursday, becoming the first stadium to host three World Cups. The match drew more than 80,000 supporters and was marred by three red cards, the most ever in a World Cup opening match.

Julian Quinones struck low through the legs of South Africa goalkeeper Rowen Williams in the ninth minute to give Mexico the lead. The goal was the earliest in a World Cup opener since Philipp Lahm scored for Germany against Costa Rica after six minutes in 2006. Quinones was the top scorer in the Saudi league this past season.

Mexico dominated territorially throughout, posting a 1.41 to 0.07 expected goals (xG) advantage over South Africa.

South Africa's path back into the match narrowed early in the second half when midfielder Sphephelo Sithole received a straight red card for fouling Brian Gutierrez on the edge of the penalty area while through on goal.

Veteran striker Raul Jimenez sealed the result midway through the second half, heading in from close range for his 46th international goal and his first across three World Cup appearances. The tally drew him level with Jared Borgetti for second place on Mexico's all-time scoring list, six behind leader Javier Hernandez.

Mexico also handed a World Cup debut to 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, who at 17 years and 240 days became the youngest player ever to appear for Mexico at the tournament and the sixth-youngest in World Cup history.

South Africa's difficult afternoon worsened when Themba Zwane was dismissed following a VAR review for striking Roberto Alvarado in the face. Mexico defender Cesar Montes was then sent off in stoppage time, bringing the total to three red cards.

The victory marked Mexico's first win in a World Cup opener after five losses and two draws in previous tournaments, including a defeat against host South Africa at the 2010 World Cup. Mexico leads Group A with three points and faces South Korea next Thursday in Guadalajara. South Africa meets Czechia the same day in Atlanta.

France enters the 2026 World Cup with the most valuable roster in the tournament at $1.76 billion, according to squad valuation data from Transfermarkt, with England ($1.507 billion) and Spain ($1.449 billion) ranked second and third.

Portugal, Germany, and Brazil round out the six nations surpassing the $1 billion threshold in total squad value.

Spain's Lamine Yamal and Norway's Erling Haaland share the top individual valuation at $238 million. Haaland alone accounts for roughly 33 percent of Norway's total $691 million squad value. Kylian Mbappe ranks third among individual players and leads France's roster.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ranks seventh among individual players but will not appear in the tournament after Georgia failed to qualify.

2026 World Cup Squad Valuations

1. France: $1.760 billion
2. England: $1.507 billion
3. Spain: $1.449 billion
4. Portugal: $1.173 billion
5. Germany: $1.148 billion
6. Brazil: $1.049 billion
7. Netherlands: $962.78 million
8. Argentina: $940.13 million
9. Norway: $691.15 million
10. Belgium: $624.34 million
11. Ivory Coast: $610.54 million
12. Morocco: $561.43 million
13. Senegal: $543.84 million
14. Turkiye: $543.61 million
15. Sweden: $492.18 million
16. Uruguay: $466.10 million
17. Croatia: $448.16 million
18. United States: $438.90 million
19. Ecuador: $432.63 million
20. Switzerland: $382.49 million
21. Colombia: $350.46 million
22.Japan: $320.74 million
23. Algeria: $295.44 million
24. Austria: $278.53 million
25. Ghana: $269.50 million
26. Canada: $226.15 million
27. Mexico: $220.63 million
28. Czechia: $216.41 million
29. Scotland: $195.79 million
30. Paraguay: $176.70 million
31. Bosnia-Herzegovina: $174.34 million
32. DR Congo: $165.49 million
33. South Korea: $159.91 million
34. Egypt: $133.95 million
35. Uzbekistan: $98.13 million
36. Australia: $89.07 million
37. Tunisia: $80.44 million
38. Haiti: $64.29 million
39. Cape Verde: $62.68 million
40. South Africa: $56.64 million
41. Saudi Arabia: $46.78 million
42. Panama: $39.73 million
43. New Zealand: $39.50 million
44. Iran: $36.86 million
45. Curacao: $29.65 million
46. Iraq: $24.38 million
47. Jordan: $23.58 million
48. Qatar: $22.92 million

Real Madrid and Barcelona have received positive scouting reports on 16-year-old Mexican midfielder Gilberto Mora, although sources from both clubs told ESPN it remains too early to consider signing the Tijuana prospect. Both Spanish giants monitored Mora's performances at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile.

Barcelona sporting director Deco's assistant Joao Amaral traveled to Chile to watch Mora at the tournament. A source told ESPN that Mora has "strong potential and really interesting characteristics" but acknowledged "at 16, Mora may still need some room to grow."

Madrid sources share Barcelona's cautious optimism about the attacking midfielder. A club source told ESPN it is premature to determine whether Mora "will become a top player" capable of succeeding at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Several Madrid sources agree Mora is the most prominent name of his generation. The midfielder turns 17 on Tuesday and cannot transfer to any European club until he turns 18.

Mora recorded three goals and two assists as Mexico reached the knockout stages before losing to Argentina in the quarterfinals. Barcelona are not surprised by his performances as they have monitored his progress for some time.

"We've received very interesting reports about him," a Barcelona source said. "He's only just now making a media splash, and everyone's talking about him. He's a very skilled midfielder, a player with very good prospects, although it's still too early to define what his ultimate goal will be."

Madrid sources told ESPN that Mora's position and the importance of the Mexican market make his signing particularly attractive. The club has previously signed Vinicius Junior and Endrick as minors, loaning them to their Brazilian clubs until they turned 18.

Madrid have been scouting creative talents to fill the void left by Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. The club considers the Mexican market strategic and believes signing a Mexican player would strengthen their presence in a country with a large fanbase.

Edson Alvarez's second-half header lifted Mexico to a 2-1 victory over the United States in Sunday's Concacaf Gold Cup final at Houston's NRG Stadium. The triumph secured Mexico's 10th Gold Cup title before a sellout crowd of 70,925 that was approximately 70% pro-Mexico.

Chris Richards opened scoring for the U.S. in the 4th minute with a header that deflected off the crossbar. Raul Jimenez equalized before halftime with a clinical left-footed finish into the upper left corner past goalkeeper Matthew Freese, his 42nd international goal and third-most in Mexican history.

Mexico Dominates Second Half

Mexico controlled possession throughout the match with 60% of the ball and earned 12 corner kicks to none for the United States. Álvarez capitalized on a set piece opportunity, flicking the ball past Freese for the decisive goal that was initially ruled offside before video review confirmed its validity.

The goal celebration honored Diogo Jota, Jimenez's former Wolverhampton Wanderers teammate who died in a car crash Thursday. Patrick Agyemang nearly equalized for the U.S. in stoppage time but failed to make clean contact on a short-range effort blocked by Luis Malagon.

"We came from behind and are leaving with the title," Jiménez said. "It's great and really important to clinch the crown a summer before the World Cup. It's something we've been trying to do since the tournament began."

U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino fielded the same starting lineup used in knockout victories over Costa Rica and Guatemala. The Americans entered the tournament on a four-game losing streak, their longest since 2007, but reached their first Gold Cup final since 2021 despite missing regular starters due to injuries and Club World Cup commitments.

"We're disappointed obviously to not come away with a win," U.S. captain Tim Ream said.

This marked the eighth meeting between Mexico and the United States in a Gold Cup final. The match served as the final competitive fixture for both nations before co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Canada.

"I'm speechless. We spent 35 days in intense training, away from our families, with the intention of winning," midfielder Alvarez said. "When they first disallowed the goal, it was crazy. It threw me off balance, but I was really happy to see that it was valid."

Mexico's victory extends their Gold Cup dominance over the United States, with the defending champions now holding 10 titles compared to seven for the U.S. and one for Canada.