What Happened to Mexico National Football Team?
The Mexico National Football Team, affectionately known as 'El Tri', has experienced a period of significant highs and lows, culminating in a strong performance as co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After a disappointing group stage exit in the 2024 Copa América, the team underwent a coaching change, bringing back Javier Aguirre, who has since led them to CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup titles, and secured their qualification for the Round of 16 in the ongoing 2026 World Cup.
Quick Answer
The Mexico National Football Team, also known as 'El Tri', is currently performing strongly as a co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having already qualified for the Round of 16 as of June 25, 2026. This follows a period of resurgence under coach Javier Aguirre, who led them to win the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League and the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup after a disappointing 2024 Copa América campaign. Rafael Márquez is slated to take over as head coach after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Group Stage Exit at 2022 FIFA World Cup
Mexico was eliminated in the group stage of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, marking their earliest exit since 1978.
Diego Cocca Appointed Head Coach
Diego Cocca was appointed as the new head coach of the Mexico national team.
Automatic Qualification for 2026 World Cup Confirmed
Mexico automatically qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a co-host, a decision confirmed by the FIFA Council.
Diego Cocca Dismissed; Jaime Lozano Appointed Interim
Following a 0-3 defeat to the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals, Diego Cocca was dismissed, and Jaime Lozano was appointed on an interim basis.
Mexico Wins 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup
Under interim coach Jaime Lozano, Mexico defeated Panama 1-0 in the final to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Qualifies for 2024 Copa América
Mexico secured qualification for the 2024 Copa América by beating Honduras 4-2 on penalty kicks after a 2-2 aggregate draw in the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals.
Group Stage Exit from 2024 Copa América
Mexico was eliminated from the 2024 Copa América in the group stage after a 0-0 draw with Ecuador, following a loss to Venezuela.
Jaime Lozano Dismissed; Javier Aguirre Appointed
Following the Copa América exit, Jaime Lozano was dismissed, and Javier Aguirre was named Mexico's new head coach for his third spell.
Wins First CONCACAF Nations League Title
Mexico won its first CONCACAF Nations League title, defeating Panama 2-1 in the final.
Retains CONCACAF Gold Cup Title
Mexico won the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, defeating the United States 2-1 in the final, securing their record 10th title.
Rafael Márquez Confirmed as Next Head Coach
The Mexican Football Federation confirmed that Rafael Márquez will take over as head coach after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Begins 2026 World Cup with a Win
Mexico opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign as co-hosts with a 2-0 victory over South Africa.
Secures Round of 16 Spot in World Cup
Mexico defeated South Korea 1-0, becoming the first team to qualify for the Round of 16 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and securing the top spot in Group A.
Draws Final World Cup Group Stage Match
Mexico played Czechia in their final Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which reportedly ended in a 0-0 draw, maintaining their top position in the group.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Mexico National Football Team, widely recognized as 'El Tri', has navigated a tumultuous yet ultimately successful period leading up to and during their co-hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following a disappointing group stage exit in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, their earliest elimination since 1978, the team faced significant scrutiny and coaching instability. Diego Cocca's brief tenure in early 2023 was marked by a 0-3 defeat to the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals, leading to his swift dismissal. Jaime Lozano took over on an interim basis, leading Mexico to win the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and was subsequently appointed permanently.
However, Lozano's permanent spell was short-lived. Mexico endured an underwhelming group stage exit from the 2024 Copa América, failing to advance after a loss to Venezuela and a draw with Ecuador. This prompted another coaching change, with veteran manager Javier Aguirre returning for his third spell as head coach in July 2024. Under Aguirre's leadership, 'El Tri' experienced a significant turnaround. In March 2025, Mexico secured its first-ever CONCACAF Nations League title, defeating Panama 2-1 in the final. This was followed by retaining their CONCACAF Gold Cup crown in July 2025, with a 2-1 victory over the United States in the final.
As a co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada, Mexico automatically qualified for the tournament. The team entered the World Cup with renewed optimism and has performed exceptionally well in the group stage. As of June 25, 2026, Mexico has already secured its place in the Round of 16, winning its first two matches against South Africa (2-0) and South Korea (1-0). They also played their final group stage match against Czechia on June 24, 2026, which reportedly ended in a 0-0 draw, solidifying their top position in Group A.
Looking ahead, the Mexican Football Federation has confirmed that legendary former national team captain Rafael Márquez will take over as head coach after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, signaling a planned transition for the 2030 World Cup cycle. This strategic move aims to build on the current successes and usher in a new era for Mexican football.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Mexico National Football Team made different choices?