You’ve heard the chants. If you’ve ever watched the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) cross the border to face El Tri, you know the atmosphere isn't just "hostile"—it’s legendary. But honestly, the narrative around USA vs Mexico in Mexico has become a bit of a caricature lately. People talk about the altitude of Mexico City or the smog as if those are the only reasons the Americans struggle.
It's deeper than that.
The history of this fixture on Mexican soil is one of the most lopsided stories in international sports. For decades, it wasn't even a rivalry; it was a ritualistic beating. While the US has dominated the matchup on home soil for much of the 21st century—shouting "Dos a Cero" at every opportunity—crossing into Mexico changes everything.
The Myth of the Easy Win
Let’s be real: the USMNT hasn't won a competitive match in Mexico. Ever.
Think about that for a second. In nearly a century of soccer, through World Cup qualifiers and regional tournaments, the United States has never walked out of a stadium in Mexico with three points in a game that actually mattered. We’ve seen the "Golden Generation," we’ve seen the Pulisic era, and we’ve seen tactical geniuses come and go.
Yet, the record stands.
The only time the US ever tasted victory in Mexico was a 2012 friendly at the Estadio Azteca. Michael Orozco Fiscal scored a scrappy 80th-minute goal, and the Americans celebrated like they’d won the World Cup. It was a huge moment, sure. But it was an exhibition.
When the lights are brightest and the points are on the line, Mexico’s home-field advantage remains a fortress that refuses to crumble.
Why Estadio Azteca Still Haunts the US
Most fans point to the altitude. At over 7,200 feet, the air in Mexico City is thin enough to make elite athletes feel like they’re breathing through a straw by the 60th minute. But it’s not just the lungs; it’s the psyche.
The Azteca is a cauldron.
When 80,000+ people are screaming, the grass feels longer, the sun feels hotter, and the ball moves differently. Former US players often talk about the "heaviness" of the air and the sheer noise. It’s a place where the US has managed to scrape out a few draws—most recently a 0-0 in March 2022—but the win remains elusive.
The Recent Reality Check in Guadalajara
If you thought the rivalry was leaning permanently toward the US after their long unbeaten streak under Gregg Berhalter, October 2024 served as a massive wake-up call. Mauricio Pochettino, in just his second game as the US head coach, took a squad into Guadalajara’s Estadio Akron.
The result? A humbling 2-0 defeat.
Raúl Jiménez, a veteran who many thought was past his prime, reminded everyone why he’s a legend. He curled a world-class free kick into the top corner in the 22nd minute. Then, he turned provider for César Huerta in the second half.
The US looked lost. They were outshot 17-5.
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It was a reminder that USA vs Mexico in Mexico is a completely different beast than playing in Columbus, Ohio, or Las Vegas. Even without some of their biggest stars like Pulisic or McKennie, the US expected to compete. Instead, they got a masterclass in Mexican passion and tactical discipline.
The 2025 Shift
We just saw the 2025 Gold Cup final go down in July, and while it was played in Houston—a "neutral" site that usually feels like a Mexico home game—the result reinforced the current trend. Mexico won 2-1. Edson Álvarez was the hero, proving that the momentum has swung back toward El Tri after the US had a few years of dominance.
What the Numbers Actually Say
If you're a stats person, the "all-time" record is kind of a mess because it includes a 46-year stretch (1934–1980) where the US literally didn't beat Mexico once.
- Overall Record: Mexico leads with 38 wins to the USA's 24.
- On Mexican Soil: The US record is a dismal 1-24-4.
- Since 2000: The US actually leads the series 19-10-8, but almost all those wins happened in the States.
This tells a clear story. The US has the talent to beat Mexico anywhere else in the world, but they still haven't figured out the "Mexico in Mexico" puzzle.
The Mental Hurdle for Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino has coached at the highest levels—PSG, Tottenham, Chelsea. He’s handled the Champions League. But the CONCACAF "away" experience is a unique brand of chaos.
Winning a competitive match in Mexico is the final boss for this US generation.
They have the European pedigree. They have the athleticism. But they often lack the "dark arts" or the sheer grit required to win in a place like Guadalajara or Mexico City. Mexican players grow up in this environment; they thrive on the pressure of a home crowd that demands nothing less than the total humiliation of the "Gringos."
Actionable Insights for the Future
If you're following this rivalry leading up to the 2026 World Cup, keep these three things in mind:
- Watch the Roster Depth: The US struggles in Mexico when they don't have their full "A" team. The Guadalajara loss proved that the gap between the US starters and the bench is still wider than fans want to admit.
- Respect the Veteran Factor: Mexico often relies on older players like Raúl Jiménez or Andrés Guardado (who just had his emotional farewell). These players understand the rhythm of these home games better than the young US stars playing in the Premier League.
- The Tactical Trap: Expecting to out-possess Mexico in Mexico is a trap. The most successful US results south of the border have come from "parking the bus" and counter-attacking. When the US tries to play "beautiful soccer" at altitude, they usually gush goals in the final thirty minutes.
The next time these two meet in a Mexican stadium, don't look at the FIFA rankings. Look at the weather, the altitude, and the starting whistle. Because in this rivalry, the border is a wall the US still hasn't truly climbed.
To get the full picture of where this rivalry is headed, keep a close eye on the 2024-25 Nations League results, as these home-and-away formats are the only way the US will get the reps they need to finally break the curse before the World Cup.