Mexico

🌍 World Cup Story

Mexico has appeared at 17 World Cups — the joint-most appearances outside Europe. They co-hosted in 1970 and 1986, when the Azteca witnessed Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century." Their best run came in 1986 on home soil, reaching the quarterfinals before losing on penalties to West Germany. Known for a curse called the "Quinto Partido" (fifth game) — Mexico has been eliminated at the Round of 16 seven consecutive times (1994–2018), never making it to the quarterfinals in that stretch. Under a new generation led by Santiago Giménez and a fresh coaching setup, they carry the huge weight of a nation that expects more — especially on home soil in 2026.