Raúl Jiménez Faces His Favorite Premier League Victim
The Estadio Azteca will host one of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 as Mexico and England battle for a place in the quarterfinals. It is a clash filled with history, talent, and several individual matchups that could decide the outcome.
One of the most intriguing duels will feature Raúl Jiménez and Jordan Pickford, two players who know each other extremely well from their years in the Premier League. And there is one statistic the English goalkeeper is unlikely to enjoy: the Mexican striker has made Pickford his favorite victim throughout his European career.
The Goalkeeper Jiménez Has Scored Against the Most
Raúl Jiménez has scored six goals against England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, more than he has against any other goalkeeper since arriving in Europe. Four of those goals came while wearing the Wolverhampton Wanderers jersey during regional derbies against Everton, while the other two were scored with Fulham, proving that the Mexican international knows exactly how to beat the English shot-stopper.
Now, the two will meet again, but for the first time at a FIFA World Cup, representing their national teams. For Jiménez, it is the perfect opportunity to extend that remarkable record and lead Mexico in one of the biggest matches of his international career.
Mexico Arrives in Outstanding Form
The Mexican striker enters the knockout stage in excellent form. During the group stage, he scored twice—once against South Africa and once against Ecuador—while establishing himself as the main attacking threat for Javier Aguirre's Mexico. His ability to play with his back to goal, combine with midfielders, and consistently find dangerous positions inside the penalty area has been instrumental in helping the team complete a flawless group-stage campaign.
On the other side, Jordan Pickford has enjoyed a solid, though not entirely comfortable, tournament. The English goalkeeper kept clean sheets only against Ghana and Panama, while England conceded three goals during the group stage. Now he faces a Mexico side that has scored eight goals and, perhaps even more impressively, has yet to concede a single goal in the tournament.
The Azteca Could Make the Difference
Beyond its impressive form, Mexico will also have one of the greatest home-field advantages in international football: the Estadio Azteca. The altitude of Mexico City, the atmosphere created by more than 80,000 fans, and the constant support of the home crowd make the stadium one of the most intimidating venues for any visiting team. Even Thomas Tuchel admitted before the match that adapting to those conditions in just a few days is virtually impossible.
If there is one Mexican player who knows how to punish Jordan Pickford, it is Raúl Jiménez. And if he maintains the level he has displayed both in the Premier League and throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the English goalkeeper may once again find himself facing his most uncomfortable opponent.
Everything is set for a high-level showdown between two national teams determined to continue making history. Within that grand stage, the battle between Raúl Jiménez and Jordan Pickford promises to be one of the most compelling individual matchups of the Round of 16.
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