The historic 'Mexico City Stadium' bids farewell to this edition of the FIFA World Cup on Saturday evening local time, as it hosts the highly anticipated clash between Mexico and England.

The two teams meet in a much-anticipated matchup in the Round of 16 of the World Cup currently being held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, each seeking a spot in the quarterfinals.

German Thomas Tuchel, head coach of the England national team, said: 'It's an opportune moment to make peace with this stadium. It will reward us.'

Tuchel's remarks came after England's hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo last Wednesday in the Round of 32, setting up a meeting with Mexico in the next round in Mexico City.

Tuchel spoke of 'Mexico City Stadium' as if it were a living being, capable of reward and punishment, and this statement alone is enough to show how deeply the stadium's history is ingrained in the memory of those who were once mere fans or grew up on stories told by those before them, and who now write their own chapters on the global stage.

Before this edition, the last World Cup match hosted by this legendary stadium was the final of the 1986 World Cup, when the late Argentine star Diego Maradona reached the pinnacle of glory with his national team after setting up the title-winning goal for his teammate Jorge Burruchaga against West Germany.

In that same edition, England lost to the 'Tango dancers' in the quarterfinals in an unforgettable match, and today the two stories intersect again, with Tuchel admitting that he believes in 'karma'—that what one sows, one reaps.

Even back then, the Mexican crowd had mastered the art of intimidating opponents. They helped spread the 'Mexican wave' globally, an idea that originated in the United States, and their vocal impact and collective rhythm showed their ability to move the entire stadium at will, adding chants that became part of popular culture and are still present today.

Mexico coach Aguirre believes that playing in Mexico City gives additional strength (AFP).

Although many of the stadium's greatest moments were not for the home team, the relationship between the Mexican fans and the stadium has evolved over the years into something like a complete unity.

After a four-year renovation that preserved the stadium's spirit, Mexico City Stadium (formerly Azteca) welcomed 80,824 spectators in each of the three matches of coach Javier Aguirre's team, with very limited presence of opposing fans, creating an atmosphere and pressure on opponents even before the kickoff.

Aguirre, praising the importance of fan support, said in statements reported by FIFA's official website: 'The biggest difference, without a doubt, is playing at home. It is our 12th player. We know that the entire country stands behind us, and that gives us huge motivation.'

Mexico has won all four of its World Cup matches so far, sparking lively celebrations on the pitch. After the 2-0 victory over Ecuador, photos and videos spread of players singing and embracing fans, raising a simple question: Were the fans singing to the players, or were the players singing to the fans?

The fans interact passionately with the team, constantly chanting famous national songs.

The impact of the atmosphere and stadium has become a key topic of discussion in both countries, and during their talk on the BBC, former English international stars Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney warned that playing in this historic stadium in front of this passionate crowd would be England's toughest test in the tournament.

The Mexican stands... the home side's most prominent weapon against the English (Reuters).

Meanwhile, Javier Hernández stated on Fox Sports, speaking about the importance of playing at the historic Azteca Stadium: 'What that legendary stadium represents, and the atmosphere you feel when it is filled with Mexicans. Additionally, the pitch is difficult due to the altitude and the physical fatigue it causes. Of course, that makes the task more difficult.'

Archival footage, stories from that era, and the events themselves have created an aura of mystery around this giant edifice that has opened its doors to the world once again. And ahead of the Round of 16 match, which will be the last game of the tournament on Mexican soil before the competition moves entirely to the United States, anticipation has reached its peak.

Tuchel revealed, referring to some challenges his team will face against Mexico: 'We will face an entire country, and we will play in front of a full stadium on their home soil.'

This comes as Mexico has not lost any World Cup match on home soil, with their last defeat there dating back to 2013 against Honduras in the final round of CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Álvaro Fidalgo wrote on his Instagram account after scoring his first goal for Mexico against the Czech Republic: 'Once you choose it, it never leaves you.'

He probably meant the Mexican national team, but the phrase also applies to 'Mexico City Stadium' itself, for everyone who sets foot on this green rectangle falls under its spell forever.