By Juan Samuel Santana Chávez

Mexico has participated in 18 World Cups, and their best performances came when they were hosts. In the 1970 World Cup, the team led by Raúl Cárdenas reached the quarterfinals for the first time after overcoming the group stage and defeating El Salvador. However, their journey ended against Italy, who won 4-1 and would later become runners-up in the tournament.

Sixteen years later, in Mexico 1986, El Tricolor matched their best historical result. Under the command of Bora Milutinović, they advanced as group leaders, defeated Bulgaria in the round of 16, and played in the so-called "fifth game." Elimination came in a dramatic penalty shootout against West Germany, after a goalless draw in regulation time.

Other notable performances were in the United States 1994 and France 1998 World Cups. In 1994, Mexico finished as leaders of one of the tournament's most competitive groups, ahead of Italy, Ireland, and Norway, although they fell on penalties to Bulgaria. Four years later, Manuel Lapuente's team advanced undefeated in the group stage and came close to eliminating Germany in the round of 16. Despite this, the quarterfinals of 1970 and 1986 continue to be the historical ceiling for the Mexican National Team in the World Cups.