Mexico Secures Group of 16 Spot in FIFA World Cup

Kathmandu. By securing a 2-0 victory against Ecuador on Wednesday morning in the FIFA World Cup, Mexico's total unbeaten streak has reached 12. Similarly, defeating the South American team Ecuador, considered the 'dark horse' of the tournament, in the knockout round undoubtedly shows Mexico has come to its best form.

Moreover, Mexico also became the only team besides the two finalists of 2022 to win all three group stage matches in the 2026 World Cup. In this process, they did not concede a single goal and scored a total of 6 goals. Continuing their clean sheet in the first knockout match, they increased the total goal count of the tournament to 8. The team is currently on such a dream World Cup journey, where they have not only registered their first knockout win in 40 years but 'El Tri' has also shown the form to advance further in the knockout stages.

What do the statistics say?
Mexico's current form is no coincidence. An unbeaten streak of the last 12 matches, 8 wins in 10 matches before the World Cup, and then four consecutive wins in the World Cup indicate that Mexico is in excellent form right now.

In this 12-match unbeaten streak, Mexico has conceded only two goals, and the continuous series of clean sheets indicates that the team's defense is also in its best condition in recent years.

In this regard, with effective attack, impenetrable defense, and excellent ball control, Mexico appears to be strongly emerging as one of the contenders for the World Cup title.

By winning all four matches played so far in the 2026 World Cup, Mexico has presented a strong claim not only with results but also with its style of play, defensive capability, and confidence. Looking at the available statistics, the foundation of this success seems to have been laid long before the World Cup began.

Team changed after defeat
Mexico last suffered a 2-1 defeat against Paraguay in a friendly match on November 18, 2025. Before that, they also suffered a 4-0 loss against Colombia in October 2025. After these two defeats, the coach made changes to the team's strategy and structure, the results of which are now clearly visible. Since then, Mexico has not lost a single time.

After the defeat against Paraguay, Mexico has been unbeaten for 12 consecutive matches, with 10 wins and 2 draws. In these 12 matches, Mexico has scored 23 goals and conceded only 2 goals. A more notable fact is that in 10 of these 12 matches, they did not allow the opponent to score.

Confidence started with Gold Cup title
Before the World Cup, Mexico had won the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Mexico defeated Honduras 1-0 in the semi-finals and defeated the USA 2-1 in the final to lift the title.

The team also performed impressively in the friendly matches played thereafter. Especially the 5-1 victory over Serbia indicated that the team was fully prepared for the World Cup.

Impact of home ground Azteca
The advantage of home ground can have a big impact on the game's result. Since 1966, Mexico has lost only two official matches at the Estadio Azteca. They have not lost any of their last 24 matches on their home ground. They have maintained this history at home now.

Mexico has key players like Raul Jimenez, Erick Lira, and Johan Vasquez. The responsibility of the forward line will be fulfilled by Roberto Alvarado and Julian Quinones. They have physically strong assets like Luis Romo.

There is creative young talent like Gilberto Mora. Similarly, Edson Alvarez has performed excellently in this World Cup. Johan Vasquez is at the center of the defense, and he might partner with Cesar Montes, keeping him on the bench.

Raul Rangel is guarding the goalpost in place of the injured Guillermo Ochoa against Czechia.