Hugo Sánchez explains why the USMNT have had the better of Mexico in recent meetings

On Thursday, Mexico will take on the USMNT in the semi-finals of the Concacaf Nations League at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada and will be hoping to make a statement as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup, their first under Diego Cocca. However, the Stars and Stripes have very much had their number in recent meetings between the teams.

The US’ dominance in the fixture began on 6 June 2021 in the inaugural edition of the very same tournament. On that occasion, Christian Pulisic scored the winner as the United States ran out 3-2 winners after extra time at Empower Field in Denver. Later that summer, El Tri would also end up on the losing side in the Gold Cup final as a result of Miles Robinson’s goal, again late in extra time.

Hugo Sánchez wants more to be played in Mexico

The USMNT are unbeaten in the last five meetings, winning three and drawing two. Mexico’s last victory over their bitterest rivals came all the way back in 2019 and Tri legend Hugo Sánchez has a simple theory for as to why the States have had the upper hand. Only one of those five matches was played in Mexico, something which has to change, according to the ex-Real Madrid star.

“Where you play has a lot to do with it. Most of the games that have been played recently have been in the United States and that has a big influence on the result. If things were fair and half of the games were played in each country, it would be different. Statistically, history tells you the real figures although I don’t want to look back too far, I’d rather talk about the present”, Sánchez told AS USA Latino.

MLS “catching up” with Liga MX

“If you go back further, you can’t compare the history of the United States or Canada to Mexico because of how many times Mexico has played in the World Cup. But yes, you could say that the American league has really improved and is catching up with the Mexican league. Also taking into account that not being involved in the Copa Libertadores, the Copa Sudamericana or the Copa América has really affected us.

Foreign players in Liga MX hampering El Tri

“That’s why we’ve stagnated compared to how we were developing before and the United States have almost managed to catch us up. They’re not there yet but they’re not far away. At international level, the USMNT have had the edge recently because Mexico have been limited by the increasing number of foreign players in Mexican soccer, which weakens the national team.

“The league bosses have made the decision to allow teams to have one fewer foreign players this season but that doesn’t seem enough to me. There have to be three at most to make sure there’s a better pool of players for the national team.

Mexico’s Concacaf Nations League challenge

“It’s going to be a tough game. It’ll be difficult for Mexico to beat the United States because we’re not in a great place in terms of results. But the US doesn’t have a permanent head coach. I think both teams are going through a difficult period but there’s time between now and the World Cup to correct the mistakes that have been made up to now and for both teams to improve. Canada are also going to be strong”.

Sánchez pays tribute to Andrés Guardado

“Andrés has broken the record for the number of matches played by a Mexican in European soccer and that speaks volumes about his career and consistency. He overtook me not long ago and it’s both a privilege and an honour to know that there are other Mexicans who have followed my lead after I had the opportunity to open the door for them”.