England, champions only once in 1966, and Brazil, five-time champions, seek to avoid a bitter exit when they play their Round of 16 matches on Sunday, facing Mexico and Norway respectively. England heads to Mexico knowing they will face major challenges that Thomas Tuchel's side must overcome at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

Mexico - England

Mexico does not rely solely on home advantage against England in the World Cup. The host nation also possesses energy, activity, pressure, and speed, elements that could complicate matters for the English team, whose players have better individual abilities. Mexico has not conceded a goal in four World Cup matches, making them the toughest test for England in the tournament so far. England heads to Mexico aware of the challenge posed by the high altitude, with few options to cope with it at the famous Azteca Stadium, the almost impregnable fortress of the co-host, located 2,240 meters above sea level. The stadium, which hosted the 1970 and 1986 finals, holds special historical significance for England, playing their first match there since losing 1-2 to Argentina in the 1986 World Cup, the infamous match featuring Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal. England manager Thomas Tuchel said: 'It is perhaps one of the most beautiful and enjoyable matches you can play, facing Mexico at the Azteca.' He added: 'There will be many obstacles awaiting us, not to mention that the altitude will certainly be a major negative factor because we cannot physically adapt in four days. That is impossible.' The German coach stated he looks forward to this challenge for his team, considered among the pre-tournament favorites, and is confident in their ability to adapt. He continued: 'Other obstacles may arise, but we are prepared for that. We need that. Perhaps we now have the perfect platform to truly believe we are ready, and when things get tough, we will find solutions.'

England seeks to end a 60-year wait for a major title, but began their campaign in the United States unconvincingly. The Three Lions beat Croatia 4-2, then drew 0-0 with Ghana, followed by a 2-0 win over Panama to top Group 12. Although Mexico is not among the top title contenders, they have a fearsome record at the Azteca, losing only twice in 89 matches. Javier Aguirre's side reached the Round of 16 without conceding a goal, and were particularly impressive in the first half of their match against Ecuador, aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the third time in their history and third time on home soil after 1970 and 1986, their best World Cup results.

Brazil - Norway

Brazil continues its quest for a fifth World Cup title when they face Norway in the same Round of 16 of the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Carlo Ancelotti's side continues to chase the elusive title, absent for nearly 24 years, against a strong and developed European team in Norway, who also have high ambitions, possibly not stopping at defeating a major World Cup power, but aiming to go far in the global competition.

After a dramatic 2-1 win over Japan in the Round of 32, Brazil needs to build on their tournament journey; they have proven multiple times their ability to come back from behind, whether against Morocco in the group stage or against the Japanese Samurai in the first knockout round. Brazil's current squad possesses the character and impact it lacked for many years, which could make the clash against Norway another step on a long road to the title in an exceptional World Cup edition.

In contrast, Ståle Solbakken's team has a strong desire to prove a better presence than in previous World Cups, and considers the win over Ivory Coast in the Round of 32 as just the start of a long knockout journey. Norway's ambition to leave an unforgettable mark is heightened by their presence in this tournament after an absence of more than 28 years, specifically since the 1998 edition in France. Norway wants to surpass their best World Cup achievement, which came in 'France 98' when they reached the Round of 16 but lost 0-1 to Italy.

If that participation featured a historic generation led by striker Tore André Flo and Ole Gunnar Solskjær, the current generation also includes outstanding players, led by giant striker Erling Haaland, the team's top scorer, along with Alexander Sørloth and captain Martin Ødegaard.

Quiñones is one of the most important players in the Mexican team (AFP) Cutout

In contrast, Ancelotti's troops aim to exploit their individual skills alongside teamwork to overcome another knockout round obstacle, especially with the brilliance of players like Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior, who is enjoying his best period under the Italian coach, just as he did when he coached him at the Spanish club. Brazil have also shown they have solutions from players in various positions, such as Casemiro, who scored a striker's goal against Japan, or from the bench, like Gabriel Martinelli.

The two teams have met historically four times, including once at the World Cup, with Norway winning 2-1 in the 1998 group stage, a match that was meaningless for the Seleção but its result led to Morocco's elimination from the tournament.

Overall, Brazil has never beaten Norway; there have been two draws, both 1-1, versus two wins for Norway, one 4-2 in a friendly and the other 2-1 in the World Cup. Mexico does not rely solely on home advantage against England

They also possess

energy, activity, pressure, and speed

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