Sports
Mexico World Cup 2026: Breaking the 'Fifth Match' Curse with Home Advantage
Mexico heads to its 18th World Cup, determined to shake off the 'Curse of the Fifth Match'—seven straight round-of-16 losses since 1994. Led by veteran coach Javier Aguirre, who played in the 1986 home World Cup, El Tri relies on home advantage, a fast-passing midfield, and experienced striker Raul Jimenez. The team faces South Africa, South Korea, and the Czech Republic in Group A, with a strong chance to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since hosting in 1986.