Mexico at the World Cups — History and 2026

Mexico, known as 'El Tri' for the three colors of its flag, has participated in 17 World Cup editions. In 2026, as a host nation, it has the historic opportunity to settle its unfinished business.

The First Steps

Mexico participated for the first time at Uruguay 1930, as one of the 13 countries in the inaugural tournament. Its beginnings were modest. History changed when Mexico itself hosted the tournament.

Mexico 1970: The First Great Party

The first World Cup in Mexico was historic: it was the first broadcast in color on television. El Tri reached the quarterfinals, where they fell to Italy 4-1 (the famous 'match of the century'). Pelé shone one last time in that tournament.

Mexico 1986: The Golden Generation

With Hugo Sánchez (one of the best strikers in the world at the time), Manuel Negrete, and goalkeeper Pablo Larios, Mexico reached the quarterfinals again as host. They lost to West Germany on penalties in Monterrey. That tournament represents the national team's historical ceiling.

The Curse of the Fifth Match

From 1994 onward, Mexico built a streak of 7 consecutive round-of-16 appearances. But they always fell in that round — even after defeating reigning champions Germany in 2018. Fans named the phenomenon: 'the fifth match.'

Qatar 2022: The Hardest Blow

Mexico was eliminated in the group stage for the first time since Argentina 1978, despite still having a mathematical chance until the very end. Poland's draw with Argentina and their own defeat to Saudi Arabia combined to send them home. It was the most painful exit in decades.

2026: At Home, Hungry for History

The debut could not have gone better: on June 11, in front of 80,824 fans at the Azteca, Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 with goals from Julián Quiñones (9') and Raúl Jiménez (66'). Hope has been renewed: this time, the fifth match curse may finally be broken.