Mexico

Mexico are one of the great World Cup nations by presence, passion and culture. El Tri have been part of the tournament story since the early editions and in 2026 hosted World Cup matches for a third time, after previously staging the tournament in 1970 and 1986. Few countries connect with the World Cup quite like Mexico — from the noise in the stadiums to the colour in the stands, this is a nation that turns football into a national event.

Their best World Cup runs came on home soil, reaching the quarter-finals in both 1970 and 1986. That was the benchmark Mexico were desperate to attack in 2026. For years, the country had been haunted by the challenge of breaking beyond the last-16 ceiling, and this tournament gave them something different: home advantage, familiar conditions and a support base that made every Mexico match feel enormous.

Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup by beating South Africa 2-0, then beat Korea Republic 1-0 and Czechia 3-0 to top Group A with nine points and no goals conceded. In the Round of 32 they beat Ecuador 2-0, but the last-16 ceiling held once again: a 3-2 defeat to England ended the hosts' tournament.

South Africa were Mexico's opening opponents and brought a brilliant World Cup storyline of their own. This fixture also carried history, with Mexico and South Africa having opened the 2010 World Cup against each other. Mexico started well, winning 2-0 in the tournament's opening match.

Korea Republic were fast, disciplined and tournament-experienced, with the speed and work rate to make life uncomfortable for Mexico. It proved a tight tactical battle, settled by a single goal in a 1-0 Mexico win.

Czechia were Mexico's final group opponents. Organised, physical and dangerous through players such as Patrik Schick, Czechia were the type of side that can punish mistakes, but Mexico were already through and finished the job with a 3-0 win in Mexico City.

Green, white and red — one of the most recognisable national-team looks in football. Mexico's home shirt is traditionally green, carrying the colours of the Mexican flag and the identity of El Tri. It is a shirt that instantly stands out at a World Cup, especially when surrounded by packed stands, flags, noise and the full force of Mexican support.

Mexico shirts are also loved by collectors because they often mix national pride with bold design. From classic green home kits to memorable away shirts inspired by Mexican culture, El Tri kits regularly feel bigger than just football shirts — they feel like national statements. For a mystery shirt pull, Mexico is one of the strongest countries to get: recognisable, colourful, passionate and full of World Cup energy.