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

The two teams meet in a eagerly awaited Round of 16 match in the World Cup currently being held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as both seek a place in the quarterfinals.

German Thomas Tuchel, head coach of England, said: "It's a fitting moment to make peace with this stadium. It will reward us."

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

Tuchel spoke of Mexico City Stadium as if it were a living entity, capable of reward and punishment; this statement alone suffices to show how deeply the stadium's history is rooted in the memory of those who were once just fans, or who grew up on stories told by their predecessors, and who now write their own chapters on the world stage.

Before the start of this edition, the last World Cup match hosted by this legendary stadium was the 1986 World Cup final, 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 had lost to the 'Tango dancers' (Argentina) in the quarterfinals in an unforgettable match, and today, the two stories intersect again, with Tuchel admitting he believes in 'karma,' meaning that what one sows, one later reaps.

Even back then, the Mexican crowd had mastered the art of intimidating opponents. It contributed to spreading the 'Mexican wave' globally, an idea that originated in the United States; its vocal impact and collective rhythm demonstrated its ability to move the entire stadium at will, and it also added chants that became part of popular culture, still present today.

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

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

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

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's our 12th player. We know the whole country is behind us, and that gives us huge motivation."

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

The fans interact enthusiastically with the team, constantly chanting popular national songs.

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

Mexican stands... the hosts' most prominent weapon against the English (Reuters)

Meanwhile, Javier Hernández told 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's filled with Mexicans. Additionally, the pitch is difficult due to the altitude and the physical fatigue it causes. And of course, that makes the task more difficult."

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

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

This comes at a time when Mexico has not lost any World Cup match on home soil, while their last defeat there dates 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 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; everyone who sets foot on this green rectangle falls under its spell forever.