With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, the three host nations are preparing their national teams to perform at their best on home soil. While Canada will be proud to appear in the World Cup for just the third time in its nation’s history, both Mexico and the United States have their sights set on making a deep run in next year’s tournament.
Despite failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, the United States had firmly reclaimed dominance of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) leading up to the 2022 World Cup. Emerging stars like Cristian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie led USA’s golden generation to victories over Mexico at the 2020 CONCACAF Nations League and the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
At the 2022 World Cup, the United States performed admirably, earning a draw against England and beating Iran before they were eliminated by the Netherlands in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Mexico failed to reach the knockout stage for the first time in over 30 years.
It seemed like there would be a transition of power and the United States would take over as the dominant force in CONCACAF. However, CONCACAF hasn’t been as one-sided like many fans had originally imagined. One might even argue that Mexico has already taken back supremacy of the continent.
After beating the United States in the 2025 Gold Cup Final, vibes are high for the Mexican National Team. While USA’s golden generation have struggled to find consistent game time with their respective club teams, Mexico’s superstars have found great form abroad in Europe or in Liga MX.
Gone are the days of Guillermo Ochoa, Andreas Guardado, Hector Herrera and Chicarito. However, striker duo Fulham’s Raúl Jiménez and AC Milan’s Santi Gimenez have lit up the scoreboard for their club teams and the national team. In defense, Genoa’s Johan Vasquez has been one of the best centerbacks in Serie A offering a cool and calm presence when playing for El Tri.
It’s not just the star players that are heating up at the right time for Mexico. El Tri have a long list of consistent role players that they can count on in big matches. The team’s wing depth is a prime example of this. Players like Hirving Lozano and Alexis Vega have regained the magic that made them fan favorites earlier in their careers. Of course, one can’t forget to mention 17-year-old phenom Gilberto Mora. He has world class potential, but his run at the 2025 Gold Cup proved that he has the ability to help the national team now.
Although, one may argue that the United States still have better star power and would have won the 2025 Gold Cup if they had the likes of Pulisic, Malik Tillman and Folarin Balogun leading the line. It’s the depth that really separates the two nations at the moment as Mexico seems less reliant on a core group of players. This puts them in a better position heading into the 2026 World Cup as United States manager Mauricio Pochettino is still figuring out the rest of his starting XI and reserves.
In terms of naturalizing foreign players, Mexico has found more success in that department in recent years too. Mexico has found difference makers amongst the likes of Julian Quiñones and Germán Berterame who scored against Ecuador last Tuesday. Meanwhile, USA defenders Julian Gressel and Kristoffer Lund have struggled to make an impact.
Successful campaigns for both nations at the most recent U-20 World Cup signal that both nations are set up for future glory. But at the moment, Mexico has retaken control of CONCACAF and are the more prepared side for the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
