LONDON — As England and Mexico face off in a crucial World Cup match tonight, there's more than just national pride and a place in football history at stake. Behind the scenes, a strategic subplot is unfolding with significant economic implications: Mexico is eager to reboot trade negotiations with the United Kingdom.

In a detailed interview with POLITICO back in April, Mexico's Trade Minister Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez Romano expressed the country’s intent to "relaunch" trade discussions later this year. The focus of these talks, as outlined by Gutiérrez Romano, would be on key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, financial services, and advanced manufacturing.

These sectors represent substantial aspects of both economies, hinting at the potential benefits a renewed trade agreement could bring. The timing is pivotal as both nations currently operate under a trade agreement that was rolled-over post-Brexit. This agreement was itself a continuation meant to serve as a stopgap until a more tailored bilateral deal could be established.

Moreover, both countries are participants in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), an important trade bloc that spans the Asia-Pacific region. The UK's entry into the CPTPP marked it as the first European member, signaling its commitment to strengthening trade ties within the Asia-Pacific arena and beyond.

Despite these established connections, a UK official, speaking earlier this week, indicated that while trade discussions are indeed on the agenda, no definitive timeline has been established for when they will commence. This uncertainty places additional importance on the ongoing interactions between the two nations, including sporting events like tonight's match which offer a stage for informal diplomacy and relationship-building.

The potential economic impact of renewed trade talks cannot be underestimated. For the UK, strengthening trade ties with Mexico could serve as a strategic foothold in Latin America, complementing its efforts in the Asia-Pacific region. For Mexico, a robust trade deal with the UK could mean enhanced access to European markets and cutting-edge technologies, particularly in the targeted sectors of pharmaceuticals and advanced manufacturing.

As fans cheer on their respective teams tonight, officials from both sides will no doubt be watching more than just the scoreboard. The outcome of the game could well influence the tone and urgency of the forthcoming trade discussions, making this World Cup match a game of high stakes in more ways than one.