| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| El Tri | The nickname for the Mexican national soccer team. |
| FIFA World Cup | The international soccer tournament held every four years. |
| Quarterfinal | A stage in a tournament where eight teams compete to reach the semifinals. |
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Mexico prepares to co-host the event with the United States and Canada. The tournament will kick off in Mexico City on June 11, marking another chapter in Mexico’s long World Cup history. El Tri, the Mexican national team, has participated in 17 World Cups since the tournament’s inception in 1930.
Despite the high number of appearances, Mexico has never won the World Cup, unlike Brazil, Germany, Argentina, and Italy, who have all secured multiple victories. Mexico’s track record includes 17 wins, 28 losses, and 15 draws out of 60 matches played. El Tri’s first victory came in 1962 against Czechoslovakia after a series of early losses.
Scoring an average of 1.03 goals per match, Mexico’s overall World Cup performance shows some challenges, with 101 goals conceded over 60 matches. The team’s most significant win was a 4-0 triumph over El Salvador in 1970, while the largest defeat was a 6-0 loss to West Germany in 1978.
México’s top World Cup goal scorers are Luis Hernández and Javier Hernández, each with four goals. Notably, Rafael Márquez holds the record for the most World Cup appearances for Mexico, participating in 19 matches over five tournaments. The nation is also known for the “fifth game curse,” having only reached the quarterfinals once, in 1986.
With the expanded format of 48 teams in 2026, Mexico has an increased chance of overcoming this curse. Now, reaching the last 16 is sufficient for a fifth game, offering El Tri potential to progress further than in previous tournaments.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Torneo |
| Goal | Gol |
| Victory | Victoria |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think Mexico has struggled to win the World Cup despite frequent participation?
- How might the expanded format in 2026 benefit teams like Mexico?
- What strategies could Mexico employ to break their “fifth game curse”?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- Describe the significance of Mexico co-hosting the 2026 World Cup.
- Explain the impact of historical performances on Mexico’s soccer culture.
