Will Mexico finally win past the round of 16 at home?

For over forty years, fans of Mexico’s national soccer team have watched their side fall short at the World Cup. Every time they reach the knockout stage, they seem to hit a wall by the fifth game. But this summer, with the tournament hosted on home soil, former player Leonardo Cuellar believes the curse could finally break. Cuellar, who played in the 1978 World Cup, predicts Mexico has a real shot this year. Still, he warns the team not to focus only on the fifth game too soon. He argues that thinking ahead might distract them from the immediate challenge: beating their first opponent in the round of 32. The expanded 48-team format adds pressure, since failing early means no chances later. The veteran also praises the coaching team led by Javier Aguirre, now in his third spell in charge. With assistants like Rafael Marquez, a former player himself, the setup looks stable. Cuellar also highlights the role of Mexican stars playing in Europe, such as Edson Alvarez and Raul Jimenez. But he makes it clear: just having those players on European rosters won’t guarantee success. They’ll need to perform when it matters most.

Off the field, Cuellar raises concerns about ticket prices. FIFA’s new pricing system has pushed costs beyond what many Mexican fans can afford. What about the loyal supporters who have followed the team for decades? They may now be watching from big screens instead of stadiums. It’s a tough call for families on tight budgets. Immigration rules could also keep fans away. With stricter U. S. policies under recent administrations, fans with green cards or temporary visas face extra risks if they travel. Cuellar warns that legal trouble could ruin the trip before it even starts. Groups like Amnesty International have already reported rising arrests and deportations, signaling a wider issue that could overshadow the tournament.

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