El Tri says farewell with a historic message
El Tri closed their 2026 World Cup run with an emotional Thank you, Mexico! after a 2-3 loss to England on July 6 in the Round of 16. With a strong performance -6 goals scored and none conceded- the Mexican national team left an indelible mark on the tournament, despite the elimination. El Tri finished with 9 points, 3 wins and 0 losses in the group stage, though their recent run includes a final stumble (LWWWW).
What happened on the field?
El Tri’s path in the 2026 World Cup began with three straight wins in the group stage: 3-0 vs Sweden, 2-1 vs South Korea, and 1-0 vs Senegal. El Tri dominated with authority, scoring 6 goals and keeping their net untouched until the match against England. The July 6 setback -2-3 in extra time- ended their run, but the team showed attacking flair and defensive solidity for most of the tournament.
Why does this farewell matter?
Beyond the result, the 2026 World Cup was defined by the style of Jesús Arellano, the coach who led El Tri to a record performance. With just 3 goals conceded in the group stage and a +6 goal difference, the team proved defensive steel and creative attacking. Though the final match left a bitter taste, the balance is positive: 5 points clear of South Africa in the overall table after the group stage, a stat reflecting their dominance in the competition.
What’s next for El Tri?
The elimination opens a chapter of reflection. Arellano already hinted that he’ll assess the cycle with the federation to decide adjustments in the technical staff and squad. Meanwhile, Mexican fans celebrate a campaign where El Tri returned as a protagonist. With 4 wins in their last 5 matches (LWWWW), the team leaves a legacy of clean play and ambition, key for the road to the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
