Mexico National Team Hopes to Finally Advance Deep at the 2022 World Cup

The History of the Mexican National Football Team

The Mexican national football team, often referred to as El Tri, has a long and storied history. As the most successful national team from North America, Mexico has qualified for 16 FIFA World Cups and won 10 CONCACAF championships. Football is hugely popular in Mexico and the national team games often bring the country to a standstill.

Early Beginnings and First Successes

The first Mexican national team was organized in 1923 to compete at the Central American and Caribbean Games. After joining FIFA in 1929, Mexico competed at the 1930 FIFA World Cup, the first ever edition of the tournament. While the team lost all three of its games, it marked the beginning of Mexico's long World Cup history.

After a fourth place finish at the 1955 Pan American Games held in Mexico City, the national team began improving in the late 1950s. They won their first CONCACAF championship in 1965 and qualified for the 1966 World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals. This marked Mexico's best ever finish at a World Cup.

Establishing Itself in CONCACAF

The 1970s were an extremely successful period for the Mexico national team. They won three CONCACAF championships during the decade and qualified for the 1970 and 1978 World Cups. The team established itself as the premier national team from North America.

Mexico hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup tournaments, but did not perform well at either edition. There were high expectations for strong performances on home soil, but El Tri was eliminated in the group stage both times. These disappointments led to an overhaul of the country's domestic league and youth development systems.

Recent Decades and Continued Success

Since the 1990s, Mexico has won seven more CONCACAF Gold Cups. This includes winning three out of four tournaments between 1996 and 2000. El Tri has qualified for every World Cup since missing out on the 1990 edition, reaching the Round of 16 each time.

Some of Mexico's best modern players include Jared Borgetti, Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Rafael Márquez, and Guillermo Ochoa. These players and others helped lead strong performances at the World Cup and establish Mexican football on the world stage.

Key Players on the Current Squad

The Mexico team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar features a mix of experienced veterans and young, rising talent. Several players to watch include:

Guillermo Ochoa

Guillermo Ochoa is Mexico’s veteran goalkeeper who is playing at his fifth World Cup. Known for his shot-stopping abilities and bright green kit, he helped lead Mexico's strong defensive performance in 2018. With over 130 caps for El Tri, he brings a steadying presence to the backline.

Hirving Lozano

Hirving “Chucky” Lozano is Mexico's main offensive threat from his wing position. Pacy and skillful, he scored the game winning goal against Germany at the 2018 World Cup. He has become a star in Europe, playing in the Dutch Eredivisie and Serie A. Still just 27, Qatar 2022 likely represents Lozano's best chance to lead Mexico to glory.

Edson Álvarez

Defensive midfielder Edson Álvarez is a tough tackling presence who screens the backline. Comfortable in possession, he also helps Mexico transition quickly to attack. Just 24 years old, Álvarez has become a consistent starter for El Tri and plays at Ajax where he has developed his skillset. His partnership with Herrera forms a strong midfield foundation for the team.

While veterans like Ochoa, Guardado, and Herrera bring experience, young talents like Antuna, Vega, and Romo offer excitement for the future. Head coach Gerardo Martino will need to blend all of these players together effectively if El Tri hopes to advance deep into the knockout rounds.

Hopes and Expectations for the 2022 World Cup

Mexico breezed through CONCACAF qualifying, finishing in second place behind Canada. With their long history of Round of 16 appearances, expectations back home are high that this year represents a chance to finally break through to the quarterfinals and beyond.

Drawn into Group C alongside Argentina, Poland, and Saudi Arabia, El Tri will likely need to beat out Poland for second place. This would lead to a knockout round match against the second place team from Group D - either France, Denmark or Australia.

Beating Poland is Key

With La Albiceleste the heavy favorites to win the group, Mexico’s opener against Poland will be crucial. Led by legendary striker Robert Lewandowski, the Polish team has struggled for consistency in big tournaments. Mexico will need goals from the likes of Lozano and Martin to take advantage of Poland’s weakness defending set pieces.

Getting Past the Round of 16

Assuming they beat Poland, Mexico has a chance to finally breakthrough the barrier of the Round of 16. But to do so, they will need to beat one of France, Denmark or Australia – all respectable European teams.

Denmark would likely provide the easiest matchup, while facing the defending champions from France is a scary proposition. But if players like Jimenez and Alvarez can step up, Mexico's tight-knit squad has the talent and cohesion to pull off an upset victory.

For a passionate fanbase eager for success, anything less than the quarterfinals will be seen as an disappointment. But with tougher games potentially looming against Spain or Brazil, Mexico must take it one step at a time.

FAQs

How many times has Mexico qualified for the World Cup?

Mexico has qualified for 16 FIFA World Cup tournaments, tied for sixth most all-time. They have qualified for every edition since missing out in 1990.

Who is Mexico's best ever player?

Many consider Jared Borgetti as Mexico’s best ever player. A prolific goal scorer, he scored 46 times across 89 caps from 1997 to 2008. Other all-time greats include Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Hugo Sánchez, and Rafael Márquez.

Why does the Mexico team have the nickname El Tri?

The team is known as El Tri because the Mexico jersey features three colors – red, white and green. These colors appear on the Mexican flag and national emblem as well.

When will Mexico play Poland at the 2022 World Cup?

Mexico opens their World Cup campaign against Poland on November 22, 2022. The game will be played at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar.