Mexico's World Cup record: never won, best finishes in 1970 and 1986

Mexico has participated in the FIFA World Cup 18 times but has never lifted the trophy. The nation's deepest runs came when it hosted the tournament, reaching the quarter‑finals in 1970 (losing 4‑1 to Italy) and again in 1986 (eliminated on penalties by West Germany).

A long‑standing “quinto partido” (fifth‑match) curse saw Mexico knocked out in the Round of 16 at seven consecutive editions from 1994 through 2018. The team will co‑host the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Canada, hoping to break the pattern.

Mexico remains a regular and passionate presence in World Cup history despite the absence of a title.