World Cup 2026: Playing football at heights in Mexico City, how tough is that?
The 2026 World Cup has Mexico City as one of the host cities. The height provides an extra physical challenge for the players. England internationals prepare for the round of 16 against Mexico and experience first-hand what it means to play sports at high altitude.
The 2026 World Cup will once again bring international football to Mexico City, one of the most iconic football cities in the world. At more than 2,200 meters above sea level, teams face a special challenge: the thin air makes breathing and running considerably harder.
The impact of playing at height is particularly topical in the run-up to the round of 16 between England and Mexico. Sarah Dawkins from BBC Sport investigated what it feels like to run in Mexico City. After a short time, she noticed that the lack of oxygen affected her performance: the body has to work harder, endurance takes a hit, and recovery takes longer.
For the English selection, this circumstance means that they have to adjust their training schedules. Tactics, recovery and preparation require special attention, something that countries such as the Netherlands must also pay attention to if they play in Mexico City during the World Cup.
The past also shows that major tournaments in Mexico City are often dominated by this height factor. Think of iconic World Cup matches in which endurance proved decisive. For the 2026 World Cup, it is therefore an important point of attention for trainers, players and medical staff.
With the round of 16 just around the corner, all eyes are on both the English and Mexican selections, and everyone is preparing as best they can for the physical demands of Mexico City. The World Cup schedule also takes into account any adjustments regarding temperature and altitude.
Height therefore remains an aspect that should not be underestimated for all countries that have to perform in this stadium. It is expected that adaptability, fitness and smart rotation will make the difference during this World Cup.
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