The historic Mexico City Stadium will bid farewell to this edition of the FIFA World Cup on Saturday local time, when it hosts the eagerly anticipated clash between Mexico and England.

The two teams meet in a highly anticipated Round of 16 match in the tournament currently being held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as both seek a place in the quarterfinals.

Germany's Thomas Tuchel, head coach of England, stated: 'It is an opportune 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 in the Round of 32 last Wednesday, setting up a date with Mexico in the capital Mexico City in the next round.

Tuchel spoke of the Mexico City Stadium as if it were a living being, capable of reward and punishment. This statement alone suffices to show how deeply rooted the stadium's history is in the memory of those who were once just 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 tournament, when the late Argentine star Diego Maradona reached the pinnacle of glory with his national team after setting up the title-winning goal for teammate Jorge Burruchaga against West Germany.

In that same edition, England had lost to the tango dancers in the quarterfinals in an unforgettable match. Today, the two stories intersect again, with Tuchel admitting 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 demonstrated their ability to move the entire stadium at will. They also added chants that became part of popular culture, still present today.

Mexico coach Aguirre believes that playing in Mexico City gives an extra boost (AFP).

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

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

Aguirre, praising the importance of fan support, said in remarks published on 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 huge motivation.'

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

Fans interact enthusiastically with the team, constantly chanting famous national songs.

The impact of the atmosphere and the stadium has become a major topic of discussion in both countries. During their talk on the BBC, former England internationals Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney warned that playing at this historic stadium in front of such passionate fans would be England's toughest test in the tournament.

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, 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 even harder.'

Archival footage, stories from that era, and the events themselves have created an aura of mystique around this colossal edifice that has opened its doors to the world once again. Ahead of the Round of 16 match, which will be the last World Cup game on Mexican soil before the tournament moves entirely to the United States, anticipation is at its peak.

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

This comes at a time when Mexico has not lost any World Cup match at home, with their last defeat there dating back to 2013 against Honduras in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying 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 it chooses you, it never leaves you.'

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.