Mexico banishes a long-running World Cup curse
By beating South Korea in Group A on Thursday, El Tri finally won a World Cup match away from the Estadio Azteca.
On Thursday, the Mexican national team took on South Korea in Guadalajara, with El Tri aiming to secure its first ever World Cup victory away from Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca.
Mexico’s Azteca-dependence
When it hosted the 1970 World Cup, Mexico played its three group games at the Azteca, opening its campaign with a scoreless draw against the Soviet Union. In its second match, the Mexicans cruised past El Salvador in a rout, before edging Belgium by the slimmest of margins.
Mexico ultimately finished second in its group and was forced to play Italy at the Estadio Nemesio Diez in Toluca, where they suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against a side that went on to finish as the tournament’s runner-up.
As host of the 1986 World Cup, Mexico’s group stage saw El Tri beat Belgium and Iraq and draw with Paraguay, all at the Estadio Azteca. In the round of 16, the Azteca witnessed Mexico defeat Bulgaria, but their run then came to an end with a last-eight loss to Germany at the Estadio Universitario in Monterrey.
El Tri’s ends barrren run
In this World Cup, Mexico opened up with a victory over South Africa at the Azteca - and now, against South Korea, the 2026 co-hosts have broken their drought away from “El Coloso de Santa Úrsula”.
Thanks to Luis Romo’s second-half goal, the Mexicans defeated the Koreans at Guadalajara’s Estadio Akron, to claim the team’s first-ever World Cup win outside Mexico City. The victory also saw Javier Aguirre’s men qualify for the knockout stages - and clinch top spot in Group A.
Mexico will face Czechia next Wednesday - back at the Azteca, where they will be looking to secure a perfect group-stage record.
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