As the 2026 FIFA World Cup edges closer to its final stages, one match has already stood out as a historic moment: Mexico versus England in the Round of 16. This game, held at the iconic Estadio Azteca, has been hailed by players and international media alike as one of the most thrilling encounters of the tournament so far.

According to Series Graphics, which ranked the best matches of the World Cup to date, Mexico vs England earned a remarkable 9.5 out of 10, second only to Argentina’s 9.8-rated game against Cape Verde. But beyond critical acclaim, this match set a new benchmark in viewership. Gabriela Cuevas Barrón, Mexico’s government representative for the World Cup, revealed that the Round of 16 clash broke the tournament’s audience record four times, ultimately becoming the most-watched match of the century with over 60 million viewers nationwide.

To put this in perspective, the Mexico vs England game nearly doubled the 35 million viewers who tuned in for Mexico’s previous Round of 32 match against Ecuador. Cuevas emphasized how the nation united behind “El Tri,” turning the excitement into a significant economic boost as well.

Attendance figures across the three Mexican host cities also highlight the tournament’s massive appeal. FIFA reports that nearly 790,000 fans attended the 13 matches played in Mexico. The Estadio Azteca in Mexico City led with 404,120 spectators over five games—an average of about 80,824 per match. Guadalajara’s stadium welcomed 180,930 fans across four games, averaging 45,232 per match, while Monterrey’s venue saw 204,716 attendees over four matches, averaging 51,179 per game.

The World Cup’s impact extended beyond the stadiums. Cuevas shared that the event generated an economic windfall of 50 billion pesos across Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. The Mexico City International Airport alone collected 6.5 billion pesos during the tournament. Hotel occupancy rates soared above 80% in the host cities and reached an impressive 95% in Cancún.

“Mexico opened its doors, showcased its greatness, and proved it knows how to welcome the world like no other,” Cuevas said. She highlighted that the legacy of the World Cup goes beyond infrastructure and economic gains—it lives on in social impact, community pride, and the memories of millions.

For Mexican fans and the broader international community, this World Cup is not just a sporting event but a moment of unity and cultural celebration that will resonate for years to come.