Mexican fans attempt late-night noise protest outside England team hotel before World Cup clash

MEXICO CITY — Mexican fans descended on the hotel where the England team is staying ahead of Sunday's World Cup round-of-16 match, attempting to disrupt the squad's sleep with drums, loudspeakers and fireworks through the night. The hotel's location in the Santa Fe district spread on social media, drawing crowds of supporters to the area. Armed police established a wide security perimeter around the building, preventing fans from approaching the entrance. Many supporters regrouped on a nearby bridge after being turned away, while officers closed roads to restrict vehicle access. By midnight, the number of police and journalists in the area outnumbered the fans. Extra security personnel were stationed at the hotel's doors behind steel barriers. England's security team said the noise campaign had not seriously affected the squad's preparations. Fans began gathering again in the early morning hours ahead of the match at Azteca Stadium. Mexican supporters carried out similar noise protests before the round-of-32 match against Ecuador, prompting the Ecuadorian Football Federation to file a complaint with FIFA.