Thomas Tuchel believes England are destined to receive karmic payback at the Azteca Stadium this Sunday, nearly 40 years after Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ incident. As England gear up to face 2026 World Cup co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16, Tuchel is confident his side can exorcise the ghosts of 1986 and finally find peace with the iconic Mexican venue, even in the face of a passionate home crowd.

Seeking karmic justice in Mexico

According to The Athletic, Tuchel feels England are owed a dose of good fortune when they return to the Azteca Stadium for their World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico. The ground holds a painful memory for England, as it was the stage of the 1986 quarter-final where Maradona scored his controversial ‘Hand of God’ goal that led Argentina to a 2-1 win.

Ahead of the pivotal knockout tie, Tuchel insists that the memory of that moment still resonates deeply and will drive his players’ determination. “It will reward us,” Tuchel said. “We will get it back. It’s karma. Karma will come back for us. We will turn it around.”

Making peace with the legendary venue

Tuchel, who was 13 years old during the 1986 World Cup, still recalls the emotions of that match vividly. Reflecting on Maradona’s brilliance, he said: “Two goals against England: one that was dribbling, and one that would never stand these days.” With the faces of Gary Lineker and Peter Shilton displayed at St George’s Park, Tuchel hopes his players can now write a new chapter in England’s football story.

He added, “This is a big moment to make peace with the stadium and turn things around.” However, he acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge ahead. “It’s an iconic stadium. It’s an iconic match to play against Mexico in Mexico. It will be against the whole country, the energy of the whole stadium in their country.”

Rice fitness concern

Beyond the historical context, England also face fitness worries after their hard-fought 2-1 win over DR Congo in the Round of 32 on Wednesday. The team had to battle back after conceding early in the seventh minute, with Harry Kane netting a late brace to seal their progression. Tuchel confirmed that midfielder Declan Rice played through significant discomfort during the match. “I asked him, he said ‘I can do it for the team but I am in terrible pain,’” Tuchel revealed.

“When Declan tells you he is in terrible pain, you know he can’t push much further. He was thankful we took him off, but after the game he said it’s not an injury. I think he’ll recover. It’s more of a neural pain,” the manager added.

Preparing for the ultimate test

England now face a monumental challenge as they prepare to step out onto the sacred turf of the Azteca this Sunday. Tuchel is expected to finalise his starting eleven while keeping a close eye on key fitness updates. The squad will arrive in Mexico a day earlier to acclimatise to the demanding 2,200-metre altitude. Overcoming both the physical strain and the fervent home support will require complete concentration if England are to secure a place in the quarter-finals, where they could meet either Brazil or Norway.