Mexico at the 2026 World Cup: Triumphs, Challenges and Politics

With a spectacular opening ceremony held in Mexico City, the 2026 FIFA World Cup began by sending a powerful message to the world: Mexico remains one of the greatest and most impassioned hosts of international sport. The 23rd World Cup will be remembered not just for being the first with 48 teams and being co-hosted by three countries, but also for making Mexico the first country to host three World Cups, having done so before in 1970 and 1986. Despite Mexico’s sporting achievements, and moments of national pride, Mexico's tournament was accompanied by difficulties and controversies. 

Mexico’s reputation as one of football’s great hosts was confirmed by 13 matches in three cities; Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. The country’s enduring passion for the game was evident throughout the tournament as stadiums were packed, fan zones busy and streets full of visitors, showcasing Mexico’s friendly welcome it gave to football fans from all over the world.

On the field, the Mexican National Team also managed to revive the hopes of fans disheartened by the team’s elimination in the group stage of the last World Cup. This time, in a stellar showing, Mexico advanced as undefeated group leaders, conceding not a single goal. The victory over Ecuador in the Round of 32 allowed them to overcome a symbolic and psychological barrier that had plagued Mexican football for years, restoring the hope of competing on equal terms with major teams. As the national team's participation progressed, the celebrations around the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City grew to unprecedented proportions. After the victory over Ecuador, an estimated one million people gathered to celebrate, making it one of the largest spontaneous gatherings ever recorded in the nation's capital.

This spectacular journey ended with a respectable 2-3 defeat against England. Yet, rather than leaving behind a sense of frustration, the performance inspired renewed confidence and national pride. After years of disappointing tournament exits and growing public scepticism about the direction of Mexican football, this year’s campaign suggested that the national sporting project is beginning to regain its footing. A more competitive squad, greater tactical consistency and the team's ability to compete with one of the tournament's strongest sides offered its supporters genuine reasons for optimism.

Unfortunately, this collective joy was accompanied by tragic events. Mexico’s World Cup celebrations resulted in several deaths, as well as numerous hit-and-runs, acts of vandalism, and multiple security incidents. The sheer size of the crowds forced the Mexican government to modify its security strategy for the rest of the World Cup.

These incidents were exacerbated by behaviours that don’t align with the values ​​that football seeks to promote. Several groups of fans gathered in front of the hotels where the Ecuadorian and English teams were staying, intending to disrupt their rest before the matches. Although these were isolated incidents, they ended up projecting a negative image of Mexican fans that contrasts sharply with the hospitality shown by the vast majority of Mexicans.

The World Cup also coexisted with a harsh reality that continues to shape life in Mexico. While millions celebrated each victory of the national team, teachers' unions and mothers searching for their missing loved ones continued to protest in several cities. At times, these demonstrations were met with indifference and even hostility, as the excitement of the tournament obscured issues that have burdened the country for years. The contrast was a reminder that, no matter how unifying or inspiring sport can be, no sporting success can replace meaningful progress on the social justice challenges that are still unresolved in Mexico.

The political sphere was not without controversy either. Particularly in Nuevo León, strong criticism emerged over the alleged misuse of government resources during activities related to the Netherlands-Morocco match in Monterrey. The Dutch national team's orange colour happened to coincide with that of Movimiento Ciudadano, the state's ruling party. Critics argued that this overlap allowed the state executive to blur the line between hosting the World Cup and promoting partisan interests, turning a celebration of global football into a platform for political visibility. This controversy revealed the problems that can arise when public authorities get closely linked to major international events. These events, which are meant to bring people together across political lines, can also be misused as opportunities for those in power to enhance their image. 

Mexico's World Cup still ought to be remembered as a success despite these contrasts. Throughout the tournament, Mexico had all the elements that have always characterised its relationship with football: a passionate public, festive moments and a real capacity to make guests feel invited to the party. From the sold-out stadiums to the buzz in host cities, the tournament demonstrated how sport can unite people and forge memories that go well beyond the games themselves.

But Mexico’s experience is also a reminder of the responsibilities that come with staging such a major event. The controversies over infrastructure, security and the political use of the World Cup demonstrated that the success of a World Cup is not only a matter of attendance or the spectacle of its ceremonies, but also of the way in which a country is able to deal with the challenges of being under the world's spotlight. If Mexico is ever given the honour of hosting the World Cup once again, it will be remembered through the memories created, and through the way a nation’s warmth, resilience and passion for football made visitors feel welcomed and part of the experience.