Mexico

El Tri is the undisputed giant of North American soccer, a team whose green-white-red kit and thunderous chants electrify stadiums on both sides of the border. Backed by one of the largest, most devoted fanbases in the sport and the strength of Liga MX, Mexico has been a World Cup fixture for generations. As three-time hosts — including the upcoming 2026 tournament shared with the U.S. and Canada — the program carries outsized cultural weight in the region.

The Mexican Football Federation was founded in 1927 and joined FIFA in 1929, later becoming a founding member of CONCACAF in 1961. Mexico has qualified for a record 18 World Cups, reaching the quarterfinals as hosts in both 1970 and 1986. The team's regional dominance shows in a record 10 CONCACAF Gold Cup titles, more than any other nation, though a deep World Cup run has remained elusive.