Mexico Soccer Team's Rise to Glory: Key Factors Behind Their Success

Having followed international football for over two decades, I’ve always been fascinated by teams that manage to transform themselves from underdogs into genuine contenders. Mexico’s national soccer team is a perfect example—a squad that, in recent years, has shown remarkable growth and resilience on the global stage. Their journey hasn’t been a fluke; it’s been a carefully orchestrated rise, backed by strategic planning, youth development, and a unique team culture. If you ask me, what stands out most is how their coaching staff and players have embraced a kind of collective mentality—one that reminds me of that telling moment shared by Abarrientos about Cone’s post-game huddle. Though that story comes from a different sport, the principle is the same: unity and clarity in high-pressure moments can define a team’s identity.

Let’s talk numbers for a second. Over the past five years, Mexico has climbed from 17th to 9th in the FIFA World Rankings—a jump that reflects consistent performances in major tournaments. They’ve reached the Round of 16 in the last three World Cups, and in the 2022 qualifiers, they secured 8 wins out of 14 matches, losing only twice. That kind of consistency doesn’t happen by accident. One of the biggest factors, in my view, has been their investment in youth academies and domestic league development. Liga MX has become a breeding ground for talent, with clubs like Guadalajara and América producing technically skilled players who are comfortable under pressure. I’ve watched young stars like Edson Álvarez and Hirving Lozano evolve from promising talents into leaders—and that transition speaks volumes about Mexico’s structured pathway from youth levels to the senior squad.

Another aspect I admire is their tactical flexibility. Under coaches like Gerardo Martino, the team shifted from a traditionally defensive approach to a more possession-based, high-pressing style. They now average around 54% possession in competitive matches, which might not sound groundbreaking, but it shows a deliberate move toward controlling games rather than reacting to opponents. This shift didn’t come overnight—it took patience and, frankly, a few painful losses to refine. But the willingness to adapt is something I believe more national teams should emulate. It’s not just about copying European models; it’s about blending those ideas with Mexico’s natural flair and passion.

Of course, none of this would matter without the right mindset. I’ve always felt that Mexico’s recent squads carry a certain mental toughness—a quality that echoes Cone’s message in that dugout huddle Abarrientos described. Though the reference is from basketball, the idea translates beautifully: leaving everything on the field, staying united even in disappointment, and holding each other accountable. You see it in how Mexican players celebrate tackles as passionately as goals, or how veterans like Andrés Guardado mentor younger teammates. That emotional cohesion is priceless. In my experience covering sports, teams with strong internal cultures tend to overperform—and Mexico is no exception.

Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about Mexico’s chances in upcoming tournaments. With a solid core of players hitting their prime and a clear footballing philosophy, they’re positioned to challenge traditional powerhouses. Could they finally break the "curse" of the Round of 16? I think so—if they continue blending technical growth with that unshakable team spirit. In the end, success at the highest level isn’t just about talent or tactics; it’s about building something that lasts. And from where I stand, Mexico is doing exactly that.