Mexico vs England: Why to back Mexico to Win the First Half at 3/1 in World Cup 2026 round of 16 clash

England can progress into the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup in the early hours of Monday, but they first have to get the better of tournament co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca.

It would be fair to suggest that the Three Lions have not enjoyed a perfect summer so far, with the nation needing to come from behind to beat Congo DR in the round of 32 on Wednesday.

Thomas Tuchel's men relied on talisman Harry Kane to score twice in the late stages of that match to avoid elimination, and some observers have started to question the manager's ability to lead the team to World Cup glory.

Nevertheless, bet365 have still made England favourites to win on Monday at 7/5 (2.4), though Mexico are not far behind in the odds at 21/10 (3.1).

The Mexicans will be backed by a fervent home crowd, and there are question marks about how the visitors will deal with the altitude, so it remains to be seen if England can secure victory at the Azteca.

Will Mexico win the first half?

England have not been overly impressive at the World Cup, as while they enjoyed a 4-2 success over Croatia in their opening match of the tournament, that was followed by a goalless draw with Ghana, as well as hard-fought wins over Panama and Congo DR.

Kane netted in the 75th and 86th minutes against Congo DR to give the Three Lions victory after having initially trailed 1-0 after just seven minutes, and his strikes continued a worrying trend for the country.

Of the eight goals that they have scored at the current World Cup, six have come after the half-time interval, with all of their last six goals scored in the second 45 minutes.

Given the struggles of the English in the first half of matches, and the intense atmosphere that they will face, there could be value in predicting Mexico to Win the First Half at 3/1 (4).

Mexico's goal record assessed

Mexico have also been strong in the second half of games considering they have scored five of their eight goals at the 2026 World Cup after the interval.

However, both of the two goals they netted in their 2-0 victory over Ecuador on Wednesday in the round of 32 came in the first half, with the goals scored in the 22nd and 31st minutes.

The Azteca could provide the perfect backdrop for a quick start, and with the hosts more accustomed to the altitude, there may be scope for them to win the first half.