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Seleccion Mexicana Selección Mexicana: The Undisputed Kings Of CONCACAF?

Published: 2025-03-24 16:30:26 5 min read

# For decades, the Mexican national football team,, has been a dominant force in the Confederation of North, Central American, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).

With a record 12 Gold Cup titles, frequent World Cup appearances, and a passionate fanbase, Mexico has long been considered the region’s football powerhouse.

But is their dominance as absolute as it seems? Beneath the surface of trophies and victories lie systemic weaknesses, inconsistent performances, and rising competition that challenge Mexico’s claim as CONCACAF’s undisputed kings.

While Mexico has historically been CONCACAF’s most successful team, their recent struggles against regional rivals, failure to progress beyond the World Cup Round of 16 since 1994, and the rise of the U.

S.

men’s national team (USMNT) suggest that their dominance is increasingly contested raising questions about whether they remain the region’s true kings.

Mexico’s footballing pedigree in CONCACAF is undeniable.

They have won the Gold Cup more than any other nation, dominated World Cup qualifying, and consistently produced world-class players like Hugo Sánchez, Rafael Márquez, and Javier “Chicharito” Hernández.

However, their recent performances tell a different story.

Since 1994, Mexico has failed to advance past the World Cup Round of 16 a stage they’ve reached seven consecutive times without breaking through.

This “” (fifth game) curse underscores their inability to compete with elite global teams.

Meanwhile, the USMNT reached the quarterfinals in 2002, and Costa Rica made a historic run to the same stage in 2014 achievements Mexico has not matched in nearly 30 years.

Domestically, Mexico’s Liga MX remains strong, but its reliance on foreign talent and limited player exports to Europe have stunted the national team’s growth.

Unlike the U.

S., which has seen an influx of players in top European leagues, Mexico’s European contingent has dwindled, with only a few exceptions like Edson Álvarez (West Ham) and Santiago Giménez (Feyenoord).

The USMNT’s resurgence poses the biggest threat to Mexico’s CONCACAF supremacy.

The U.

S.

has won the last two CONCACAF Nations League finals (2021, 2023) against Mexico both with decisive 3-0 and 2-0 scorelines.

Additionally, the 2021 Gold Cup final saw a U.

S.

B-team defeat Mexico 1-0, signaling a shift in power.

Young American stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Gio Reyna now ply their trade in Europe’s top leagues, while Mexico struggles to produce similar talent.

The U.

S.

also outperformed Mexico at the 2022 World Cup, reaching the Round of 16 with a younger, more dynamic squad.

Beyond the U.

S., Canada’s rapid improvement led by Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David has further eroded Mexico’s dominance.

Selección Mexicana Sub-17 publica convocatoria para el Premundial de

Canada topped CONCACAF’s 2022 World Cup qualifying table, finishing above both Mexico and the U.

S.

Mexico’s stagnation is not just about competition it’s systemic.

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has been criticized for prioritizing commercial success over sporting development.

Liga MX’s short tournaments and playoff-heavy format discourage long-term team building, while the league’s (over-reliance on foreign players) limits opportunities for homegrown talent.

Corruption scandals, including the 2015 FIFAGate scandal involving former FMF president Justino Compeán, have further damaged trust in the federation.

Coaching instability with frequent managerial changes has also hindered continuity.

Since 2018, Mexico has cycled through five different managers, compared to the U.

S.

’s more stable approach under Gregg Berhalter.

Mexico’s passionate fanbase is both a strength and a weakness.

The pressure to win every CONCACAF match creates an environment where anything less than dominance is seen as failure.

This mentality has led to psychological struggles in high-pressure moments, such as the infamous loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa América or the repeated failures in World Cup knockout games.

The (final round of CONCACAF qualifying) used to be a formality for Mexico, but recent cycles have seen them struggle.

In 2013, they nearly missed the World Cup, requiring a U.

S.

victory over Panama to secure qualification.

In 2022, they finished behind Canada and the U.

S., relying on other results to avoid the intercontinental playoff.

Mexico remains one of CONCACAF’s most successful teams, but their undisputed reign is over.

The rise of the U.

S., Canada’s emergence, and internal structural flaws have exposed vulnerabilities that can no longer be ignored.

While Mexico’s history and fanbase ensure they remain a regional giant, their failure to evolve risks relegating them to second-tier status behind a more ambitious U.

S.

program.

For Mexico to reclaim its throne, systemic reforms greater investment in youth development, increased player exports to Europe, and a long-term vision are essential.

Until then, the question remains: Are they still the kings of CONCACAF, or merely pretenders to a fading crown?.