Mexico fans turned England’s team hotel into the center of a late-night World Cup spectacle, setting off fireworks and blasting music ahead of their Round of 16 clash in Mexico City.
England arrived in Mexico City for its knockout match against host nation Mexico at Estadio Azteca, with the FA hoping to keep the team’s hotel location quiet after supporters used similar tactics against Ecuador earlier in the tournament.
Mexico fans previously used loudspeakers, horns, and motorcycles to try to disturb Ecuador’s players before Mexico’s 2-0 win, which led to a complaint from Ecuador’s football federation.
Videos circulating on X on July 5 showed Mexico supporters gathered near England’s team hotel with brass instruments, drums, loud music, and fireworks. One viral clip showed fireworks firing into the sky from near an overpass, while another showed fans packed outside the hotel area as a band played into the night.
This is crazy.
Mexico fans outside of the England hotel at 2am before their World Cup clash. pic.twitter.com/w2gQrmc2pw
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) July 5, 2026
Mexico fans bring fireworks to England hotel
The scene unfolded near the JW Marriott hotel in Santa Fe, in the western part of Mexico City, where dozens of fans gathered into the early hours of Sunday morning. Supporters brought loudspeakers, horns, and fireworks in an attempt to disrupt England’s sleep before the match.
However, authorities were far more prepared after the Team Ecuador incident. Security had already been increased around England’s hotel, with more than 100 riot police, a police dog, and a drone being used nearby.
Mexico City also tightened crowd controls for matchday celebrations after four people died during celebrations following Mexico’s win over Ecuador earlier in the week.
England booked 15 different hotels, Mexico fans still found out where they are staying and blasted noise all night long pic.twitter.com/DGZhrTvtDy
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) July 5, 2026
England manager Thomas Tuchel had anticipated that fans might try to make noise outside the hotel. When asked about the risk before the match, Tuchel said: “We will expect that but what can we do?” He also said England would “bring some stuff” when asked about players using earplugs.
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The tactic is often described as a late-night “serenade” in Latin American football culture, though in this case it looked more like a full street party, complete with fireworks that fans online joked looked closer to a missile launch than a normal pre-match wind-up.
Despite the noise, England claims the disruption did not seriously affect its team’s preparations, with heavy police blockades keeping supporters away from the hotel itself. The match is scheduled for 6pm local time at Estadio Azteca.
