The Football Association is reviewing security arrangements around England's team hotel in Mexico City ahead of their last-16 World Cup tie against the co-hosts, after Ecuador's players endured a sleepless night before their defeat in the capital.
Ecuador's complaint sparks security review
The Ecuador Football Federation has filed an official complaint with Fifa following an incident on Monday night, when dozens of Mexico fans gathered outside their hotel in Santa Fe. The fans made almost constant noise with horns, loudspeakers, and motorcycle engines until the early hours, disrupting the players' rest before their last-32 match. Such guerrilla tactics are not uncommon in Latin American football, and the FA is aware that England's hotel could also face similar disturbances.
The FA is confident that sufficient security measures are in place to protect the players, but arrangements remain subject to change if new information emerges. A large police presence is expected on the streets of Mexico City before the game, as has been the case throughout the tournament leg, which has seen multiple protests from groups representing striking teachers, judges, and families of the country's 130,000 missing people.
Limited ticket allocation for England fans
England fans will be heavily outnumbered at the Azteca Stadium, as the FA has been officially allocated only 3,000 tickets out of the 83,264 capacity. More England supporters may gain entry, but they will have to pay premium prices, with the most expensive resale ticket listed on Thursday at £27,300.
Ecuador faced additional challenges before their match, including a three-hour flight delay from Colombia, Ohio, and traffic problems in Mexico City that resulted in a nine-hour journey time. The FA is monitoring the situation closely to ensure England's preparations are not similarly affected.
