Mexican supporters have had their share of frustrations with El Tri in recent years. The memory of crashing out in the 2024 Copa America group stage, and failure at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was not fully erased by winning the 2025 Gold Cup, in part because Mexico was perceived to have faced inferior CONCACAF competition.
Having automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as hosts, and handed a Group A consisting of UEFA playoff qualifier Czechia, AFC side South Korea, and South Africa, who hadn’t featured in the World Cup in 16 years, many pundits believed Mexico could win the group. What wasn’t discussed however is Mexico dominating their group, and that’s effectively what they have done over the last three weeks.
With a Rotated Lineup, Mexico Dominates Czechia 3-0
In a game that was deadlocked 0-0, and rather drab at the half, El Tri could have simply retreated behind their lines and played out a draw. Mexico had already won their group with previous wins over South Africa and South Korea. Against Czechia, they didn’t need a win, though their European opponents did to go through.
Rather, with a somewhat rotated lineup, it was Mexico that played with ambition and poise in the second half. Mateo Chavez, one of the players who was rotated into the starting XI, went on a run and broke past Czechia to slot the first goal. Not long after, Julian Quinones continued his brilliant tournament to this point. The winger poached a goal on a rebound.
Leading by two goals, Mexico didn’t relent. Rather, Alvaro Fidalgo golazo’ed in a rebound shot, the midfielder from Real Betis in Spain scoring off the bench late to secure the 3-0 result. Forty-year-old retiring goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa raised his arms in celebration, and all of Mexico got to experience true World Cup joy in that moment.
Mexico’s football tactically under Javier ‘Vasco’ Aguirre hasn’t always been the most compelling, but rarely have they been threatened defensively, and when the goals were needed, they found them in all three games.
Tala Rangel and a Defensive Wall Gives Mexico Confidence
While it’s still unclear who Mexico will face in the Round of 32, and perhaps later the Round of 16 at Estadio Azteca, they are currently on a path that could see Scotland and England back-to-back.
Mexico already believed they are the best team in CONCACAF, but this Liga MX-heavy XI, a team featuring players like Tijuana’s teenage sensation Gilberto Mora and a number of Chivas Guadalajara players including goalkeeper Tala Rangel, is finally playing at a world-class level. Mora, even as a substitute, has been able to make an impact with his ball movement.
South Korea pressured and came knocking on the door on Matchday 2, but Tala Rangel bravely turned them away. On Matchday 1, South Africa couldn’t get forward at all against a backline featuring Johan Vasquez and Cesar Montes, longtime servants of this El Tri squad who remain underrated defenders. South Africa’s manager respected Mexico so much he lined his team up with 5 at the back, and they still conceded two goals.
With massive home support and a clear tactical style that focuses on pragmatic defending rather than reckless attacks, Mexico is primed to continue performing well in tournament knockout football. The first three games, along with a strong pre-tournament training camp, have built their confidence to a top level.
Why Not Mexico?
For decades, Mexico has occupied an unusual place in world football. El Tri has consistently qualified for World Cups, won trophies in CONCACAF, and produced generations of talented players. Yet they have rarely entered the latter stages of major tournaments among the favorites. Twice, as hosts, they reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup, 1970 and 1986, that’s been the peak performances for a nation that is obsessed with football, both club and country.
That is beginning to change.
Mexico’s perfect start to the World Cup has captured the imagination of supporters across North America. More than 25 million viewers in Mexico alone tuned in to watch the victory over South Korea, while FIFA Fan Festivals and watch parties have been packed from Monterrey to Tijuana, and from Los Angeles and San Diego to Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta. The green Adidas jersey has become a ubiquitous sight once again as supporters rally behind a team that is giving them genuine reasons to believe.
The excitement extends far beyond the supporters fortunate enough to secure tickets at Estadio Azteca or Estadio Akron. Families are gathering around televisions, restaurants are pausing during kickoff, and millions of members of the Mexican diaspora are following every touch and every result. The heartbeat of a nation, and millions beyond its borders, is behind this team, in every public square and space in the nation.
Playing for Mexico has always carried enormous pressure. Every generation has been tasked with ending decades of frustration and finally delivering a breakthrough on football’s biggest stage. Yet this group appears comfortable carrying those expectations. Veterans such as Raul Jimenez have embraced leadership roles, while players like Julian Quinones have consistently improved their performance and become difference makers in pressure moments.
The knockout rounds will bring tougher opponents and greater challenges. Scotland, England, and some of the world’s traditional powers could all stand in Mexico’s path to a potential top 4 finish. A perfect group stage guarantees nothing and everything resets in the round of 32.
But after three wins, three clean sheets, and nine points from nine, Mexico has earned something invaluable.
Confidence.
And for the first time in a long time, the question being asked by supporters across Mexico and the Mexican diaspora no longer feels unrealistic.
Why not Mexico?
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
