Mexico’s national team says goodbye to the 2026 World Cup with dignity

Six days after the painful 2-3 loss to England at the Azteca Stadium —Mexico’s first-ever home defeat in a FIFA World Cup— fans of El Tri showed that respect extends beyond the pitch. In Miami, Mexican supporters congratulated English fans after their semifinal berth, hugging their joy despite the early exit of Mexico from the 2026 World Cup, where Aguirre’s side closed with a 3W-0D-1L record and nine points.

What happened with the fan gesture?

After England’s 1-2 win over Norway on July 12, 2026, El Tri fans didn’t hesitate to praise the English effort. Viral videos showed a Mexican fan embracing an English supporter outside the stadium, while others chanted alongside the Three Lions despite not supporting the team. “No hard feelings,” summed up an infiltrated chivahermano among the English, reflecting the mood after the July 6 duel at the Azteca.

Mexico’s last result —2-3 vs England— capped a campaign with six goals scored and zero conceded (+6 goal difference), but the fan gesture made clear national pride doesn’t eclipse fair play. The loss to England, coached by Thomas Tuchel, ended the dream of advancing in the 2026 World Cup, where the team finished five points behind the group leader.

Why this moment matters for Mexican football

The Miami gesture isn’t isolated. After the exit, El Tri held a 4W-0D-1L run in its last five matches, but the 2026 World Cup left lessons: the need to refresh a squad that shone with Jesús Corona and Raúl Jiménez, yet fell to the steel of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. The fans, however, once again took center stage with their warmth, even in defeat.

The loss to England —a side with nine points and six goals scored— exposed Mexico’s defensive frailties, which had kept clean sheets in the first three games but crumbled under pressure in the Round of 16. Now, focus turns to rebuilding for future tournaments, while Mexican football celebrates the sportsmanship that went beyond the score.

What’s next for Mexico after the 2026 World Cup?

With the Round of 16 exit, the Mexican national team enters a break to assess Javier Aguirre’s tenure. The coach, tasked with taking the team far at home, leaves with nine points and a 3W-0D start before the collapse. Fans, meanwhile, already look ahead: the 2024 Copa América and the qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup.

Meanwhile, England advances to the semifinals after beating Norway 2-1, with Bellingham and Kane leading the charge. Tuchel’s side awaits its semifinal rival after the Argentina vs Switzerland clash, keeping its title hopes alive. For Mexico, the 2026 World Cup remains a bitter page, but one with flashes of pride and respect that will endure.