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

The two teams meet in a highly anticipated encounter in the round of 16 of the World Cup currently being held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as both seek to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

German Thomas Tuchel, the head coach of England, stated: 'It is an appropriate 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 date with Mexico in the next round in the capital Mexico City.

Tuchel spoke about the 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 mere fans or grew up on stories told by those before them, and who are now writing 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 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 quarter-finals in an unforgettable match. Today, the two stories intersect again, with Tuchel admitting that he believes in 'karma' — that what one sows, one reaps later.

Even at that time, 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. It also added chants that became part of popular culture and are still present today.

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

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

After a four-year renovation project 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 attendance from opposing teams' fans, creating an atmosphere and pressure on opponents even before the opening whistle.

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

Mexico has won all its four World Cup matches so far, sparking loud celebrations on the pitch. 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?

Fans interact with great enthusiasm with the national team, constantly singing famous national songs.

The impact of the atmosphere and stadium has become a major 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 home team's most prominent weapon against the English (Reuters)

For his part, 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. And of course, that makes the task more difficult.'

The visual archives, narratives of that era, and the events themselves have created an aura of mystery around this giant monument that has opened its doors to the world again. Before the round of 16 match, 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 at home, 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 the Czech Republic: 'Once you choose it, it never leaves you.'

He may be referring to 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.