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

The two teams meet in a highly anticipated round of 16 match in the World Cup currently being held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, both seeking a spot in the quarterfinals.

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

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

Tuchel spoke of the Mexico City Stadium as if it were a living entity, capable of reward and punishment. This statement alone shows how deeply the stadium's history is rooted in the memory of those who were once just fans or grew up on stories told by previous generations, and who are now writing their own chapters on the world stage.

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

In that same edition, England lost to the tango dancers in an unforgettable quarterfinal match. Today, the two stories intersect again, with Tuchel admitting he believes in karma—that what you sow, you reap.

Even back then, the Mexican crowd had mastered the art of intimidating opponents. They helped popularize the 'Mexican wave' worldwide, an idea that originated in the United States. Their vocal power and collective rhythm showed they could shake the entire stadium at will, and they added chants that became part of popular culture, still present today.

Mexico coach Aguirre believes playing in Mexico City gives extra strength (AFP)

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

After a four-year renovation project that preserved the stadium's spirit, the former Azteca Stadium 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 that pressured opponents even before the opening whistle.

Aguirre, praising the importance of fan support, said in comments published on FIFA's official website: 'The biggest difference, without doubt, is playing at home. It's our 12th player. We know the whole country is behind us, and that gives us enormous motivation.'

Mexico has won all its four World Cup matches so far, sparking wild celebrations on the field. After a 2-0 win over Ecuador, photos and videos spread of players singing and hugging 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 singing famous national songs.

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

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

For his part, Javier Hernández said on Fox Sports, speaking about the importance of playing at the historic Azteca Stadium: 'What that legendary stadium represents, the atmosphere you feel when it's full of Mexicans. Additionally, the pitch is difficult due to the altitude and the physical fatigue it causes. Of course, that makes the task even harder.'

The visual archives, the stories of that era, and the events themselves have created an aura of mystique 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, the 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 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 stage of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

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

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