Mexico aims to break World Cup curse in 2026: Can they reach the fifth game?
The Mexico national team is once again at the center of World Cup conversations, hoping to overcome one of its biggest historical barriers: reaching the quarterfinals. Currently, the team leads Group A in the 2026 World Cup with 9 points, after three wins in three matches, including a recent 2-3 victory against England. However, the new format of the World Cup has changed the meaning of the famous 'fifth game', a milestone that the Tricolor has not surpassed since 1986.
What has been Mexico's best performance in a World Cup?
Mexico's best performance in a World Cup came in 1970 and 1986, both editions hosted by Mexico, where they reached the quarterfinals, their most notable result to date. In 1970, under the leadership of Raúl Cárdenas, the team advanced from the group stage but lost to Italy 4-1. In 1986, with Bora Milutinović as coach, Mexico defeated Bulgaria in the round of 16 but was eliminated by West Germany on penalties.
What does the famous fifth game mean?
For decades, the 'fifth game' symbolized Mexico's main unfinished business in the World Cup. In the old format of 32 teams, reaching the quarterfinals meant playing five games. However, Mexico was eliminated in the round of 16 in seven consecutive World Cups, from 1994 to 2018. In Qatar 2022, the team did not even advance from the group stage.
Why has the fifth game changed in the 2026 World Cup?
With the new format of 48 teams, the 'fifth game' no longer equates to the quarterfinals. Now, Mexico will have to play one more game to reach that stage. The team, which has scored 6 goals and conceded none in this World Cup, aims to break its curse and join the eight best teams in the world. Their next challenge will be to maintain their lead in the group and advance in the competition.
