While dominating the recent history between these two hated CONCACAF opponents, the United States has struggled in one glaring part of its rivalry with Mexico.
The United States has never in history won a men's senior team competitive match on Mexican soil.
With a friendly against El Tri set for October 15, 2024 as Mauricio Pochettino gets his first taste of this heated and historic rivalry, there won't be a chance for the USMNT to reverse course in that sense, but it will serve as a barometer for their chances of doing just that in the coming years.
Since the two sides will not contest 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying thanks to their status as tournament co-hosts, and both the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup tournaments are played in the United States, they won't have a chance to achieve a historic reversal of this ugly historic footnote, but the U.S. can continue to build towards such a result with Pochettino now in charge.
ARCHIVE: USA vs. Mexico stakes were never been higher ahead of 2022 World Cup qualifier
USMNT record at Estadio Azteca in Mexico
The United States has never beaten Mexico in a competitive match at Estadio Azteca. In fact, the U.S. has never even won in any stadium on Mexican soil in a competitive match.
The only win for the U.S. in Mexico came in a friendly in 2012 where a goal from substitute Michael Orozco Fiscal resulted in a 1-0 victory.
There admittedly haven't been many chances for the U.S. to do so. Prior to 1980, the southern neighbors dominated the rivalry, with a string of 24 straight victories. That run followed the first match ever between the teams, a 1934 World Cup qualifying win for the U.S. in Rome.
Since 1980, when the U.S. picked up its first win since that 1934 victory, the U.S. has played just 11 matches at Estadio Azteca, with most of them coming in World Cup qualification. The U.S. has actually fared well of late, drawing two and winning one over its last three matches at the Azteca.
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| March 24, 2022 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying | Draw 0-0 |
| June 11, 2017 | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying | Draw 1-1 |
| March 26, 2013 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying | Draw 0-0 |
| August 15, 2012 | International Friendly | USA win 1-0 |
| August 12, 2009 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying | Mexico win 2-1 |
| March 27, 2005 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying | Mexico win 2-1 |
| July 1, 2001 | 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifying | Mexico win 1-0 |
| August 1, 1999 | 1999 Confederations Cup semi | Mexico win 1-0 (AET) |
| November 2, 1997 | 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifying | Draw 0-0 |
| July 25, 1993 | 1993 CONCACAF Gold Cup final | Mexico win 4-0 |
| November 9, 1980 | 1982 FIFA World Cup qualifying | Mexico win 5-1 |
| August 24, 1975 | International Friendly | Mexico win 2-0 |
| October 16, 1973 | International Friendly | Mexico win 2-0 |
| September 3, 1972 | 1974 FIFA World Cup qualifying | Mexico win 3-1 |
Overall USMNT record vs. Mexico
When looking at the overall record, it's worth splitting up the record into two eras. Prior to 1980, the United States was utterly dominated, as Mexico collected a string of 24 consecutive victories to put a lone 1934 U.S. win in the first-ever World Cup qualifying.
Since a November, 1980 win for the U.S., the rivalry has been much more competitive. In fact, since that time, the U.S. has collected four more wins than Mexico, with 11 draws sprinkled in.
Still, all but one of those 20 U.S. wins came either on home soil or in neutral venues. The United States to this day has won just a single game on Mexican soil, and none amongst competitive matches.
Pre-1980: Mexico 24 wins, USA 1 win, 3 draws
Post-1980: Mexico 12 wins, USA 23 wins, 14 draws
Overall record: Mexico 36 wins, USA 24 wins, 17 draws
Why has USMNT struggled at Azteca?
There are many factors for the U.S. struggles on the road in Mexico.
First, prior to 1980, the United States was flat out not good enough. The team was second-best in the confederation, and Mexican dominance was on full display.
Since, as the U.S. gained prominence and talent, the Stars and Stripes have still not been able to secure victory in competitive matches south of the border. There are a number of reasons for this.
First, the stadium is an absolute fortress. The hostile environment is like none other, and Mexican fans make it extremely difficult on the opponents. The Mexican team feels at home in the arena, proven by just four dropped points over five unbeaten home qualifying matches this cycle, as opposed to eight dropped points — including two losses — in six road matches.
Second, the altitude causes problems for all visiting squads. At 7,200 feet above sea level, Estadio Azteca is nearly 2,000 feet higher than the famed Mile High Stadium of Denver, Colorado. That puts opposing teams at a severe disadvantage as their bodies take time to acclimate to the conditions, allowing Mexico to wear out its opponents over a 90 minute match.
Third, the history itself can play a factor. The U.S. media is well aware of the team's struggles on Mexican soil, and the topic comes up repeatedly before big matches. That can play a part mentally as the players feel they have history on their shoulders.
No USA vs. Mexico in World Cup qualifying for foreseeable future
With the World Cup expanding from 32 teams to 48 teams in 2026, the U.S. and Mexico have automatically qualified for for the competition, meaning they will not contest the CONCACAF qualifying tournament.
Additionally, for future FIFA championships, the federation will earn six full berths to the World Cup plus two spots in the intercontinental playoff.
Thus, the U.S. and Mexico won't have much issue qualifying amongst a very top-heavy federation. In the 2018 World Cup qualifying standings, when the U.S. missed out, it still finished fifth in the table in a worst-case-scenario situation. While qualification for Mexico and the United States won't be a fully foregone conclusion, it will be close to one.
Unfortunately, because of that, this historic fixture will lose a lot of its luster in the coming years.
