Forever engrained in footballing history, Mexico perhaps have one of the most spiritual pasts when it comes to reviewing the world’s sport, and how it has evolved over time. Sure, a lot of nations have tried to adapt to the modern game, implementing new ways of playing football. The Netherlands created a completely unique play in “total football”, a tactic we no longer see being utilized today, due to its flaws. Whilst the Netherlands have adapted their style numerous times since the late great Johan Cruyff came along, other nations have always stayed true to their nature, amongst them are Brazil – players with an eye for flair, always displaying technical skills, rooted in their DNA since they stood tall, playing football in the favelas, others include England – a nation always proud to play a more conventional football, and that since before 1966. Since the introduction of the 1930 World Cup, the world has seen 80 nations take part, and perhaps one of the most iconic ones is Mexico.
With this 2026 edition of the World Cup, Mexico has already gone down in history as being the sole country on earth to have hosted the biggest tournament in the world a total of three times. Not only does it cement Mexico as being a legendary footballing nation, but it is proof that Mexican football, in its roots and in its heritage, has stood high and tall in the test of time. Mexico is one of the most devoted nations when it comes to football, from kids wanting to pick up a ball to play with their friends from the moment they can walk, to Mexicans proudly supporting their nation when it comes to international events.
The link between Mexican roots within football even inspired film director Danny Cannon to create perhaps the most iconic football movie of all-time: Goal, following the story of Santiago Munez, a young Mexican American man, whose dream is to play the sport professionally. From growing up in Los Angeles from Mexican immigrants’ parents and making a move to one of the most iconic football clubs in England in Newcastle United, this fictional story is one that still resonates with many people today. The film also featured cameos from the world’s biggest footballers: David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo Nazario to cite a few. Just some of the biggest names in the world.
Mexico’s World Cup Hosting History:
In 1970, Mexico made history by hosting their first-ever World Cup, and the first-ever World Cup hosted in North America. It was also the first ever World Cup broadcasted in color on television worldwide, which only makes it even more historic.
To this day, the 1970 World Cup is deemed to be the most remarkable we have ever witnessed, with some legendary footballers competing on the biggest stage: Bobby Moore, Pelé, and Franz Beckenbauer were amongst those aiming for history in Mexico. It would have been Bobby Moore’s second World Cup’s success, he who was looking for back-to-back success.
In the end, it was Pelé who made history in Mexico, becoming the first player in history to win three World Cups, as Brazil clinched its third, defeating Italy 4-1.
In Mexico, the Estadio Azteca became iconic. FIFA only needed to take one glance at the 1970 edition to know that this great nation was fit to host the event once more. Well, FIFA said: let’s make it three.
The 1986 edition of the World Cup:
It only took 16 years for Mexico to host another World Cup, whilst some footballing nations are desperate to host a World Cup for the first time, Mexico had all the tools needed to host it again. Its convenient location, close to the United States of America and South America, has always made Mexico a favorite for nations worldwide to travel to, and its population always remained its most arduous football supporters.
The 1986 World Cup was also engrained in history, as it marked what would probably be deemed as the most controversial moment in sports history. Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God”, when the late Argentinian legend scored with his hand against England in the quarterfinals. The hand was clearly used to score the goal, and English players immediately rushed to the referee, who didn’t budge.
The 2026 World Cup will be historic for Mexico, not only because it will become the first nation to host three World Cups, but because it will share its games with the United States of America and Canada, making the 2026 edition the biggest it will ever be. More venues, more matches, more nations, more stars, Mexico is cementing itself as one of the greatest footballing nation the world has ever seen. The fans will be able to showcase their passion, and perhaps, drive their nation to win their first World Cup, they who have been so consistent since its creation, often making it to the knockout rounds.
Winning the World Cup for the first time would be the country’s greatest achievement and proof that footballing gods exist, and driven by some of Europe’s top talents, it perhaps might not be such a ridiculous idea to suggest that Mexico will give it their all, in front of their own.