Mexico finished atop Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, something the country hasn’t managed in nearly a quarter century. The last time El Tri won their group was 2002, when flip phones were cutting-edge technology and Bitcoin was still seven years from existing.
A 2-0 victory over South Africa on June 11 set the tone. A 1-0 win over South Korea on June 18, sealed by a Luis Romo goal, finished the job. Mexico now advances to the Round of 32 as group winners, with a match scheduled for June 30 at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
Why this matters beyond the pitch
Since 2002, the pattern has been painfully consistent. Qualify, survive the group stage, then bow out in the Round of 16. Every single time.
The co-host advantage clearly plays a role. Mexico is sharing hosting duties with the United States and Canada in this tournament, meaning home-crowd energy and familiar conditions. Playing knockout matches at Estadio Azteca, a venue with over 87,000 seats and the thin air of Mexico City’s altitude, is about as close to a home-field cheat code as international football allows.
