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

The two teams meet in a much-anticipated Round of 16 match in the ongoing World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as both seek a berth in the quarterfinals.

Germany's 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 DR Congo on 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 being, capable of reward and punishment, and that statement alone shows how deeply rooted this stadium's history is in the memory of those who were once mere 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, and today the two stories intersect again, with Tuchel admitting he believes in 'karma'—that what one sows, one reaps later.

Even back then, the Mexican crowd had mastered the art of intimidating opponents. They helped spread the 'Mexican wave' globally, an idea originating in the United States, and their vocal impact and collective rhythm demonstrated their ability to move the entire stadium at will, adding chants that became part of popular culture and remain present today.

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

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

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

Aguirre, praising the importance of fan support, said in comments published on 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 four of its World Cup matches so far, sparking raucous celebrations on the pitch. 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?

Fans interact enthusiastically with the team, constantly chanting well-known national songs.

The impact of the atmosphere and stadium has become an important topic of discussion in both countries. Speaking on the BBC, former England internationals Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney warned that playing at this historic stadium in front of this passionate crowd would 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 Hernandez told 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 filled with Mexicans. Additionally, the pitch is difficult due to the altitude, causing physical fatigue. And of course, that makes the task more challenging.'

Archival footage, tales from that era, and the events themselves have created an aura of mystery around this giant edifice that has opened its doors to the world again. 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 of the 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 ground.'

This comes at a time when Mexico has never lost a 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.

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