The start of 2026 was not what many fans expected for the Mexican National Team. A few months away from the 2026 World Cup -which Mexico will organize together with the United States and Canada- “El Tri” received news that increased the concern: it dropped again in the international rankings.
According to the most recent FIFA Ranking, Mexico appears in 16th place, a drop from the end of 2025, when it was ranked 15th. This confirms a trend that has been worrying the national team’s environment: the lack of consistent results and the feeling of stagnation at the most important moment of the World Cup cycle.
What does it mean to be in 16th place?
Although the FIFA Ranking alone does not define the actual performance of a team on the field, it is an international indicator that influences the global perception of the level of a national team.
In some tournaments, it may affect issues such as the distribution of pools and opponents.
For Mexico, falling to 16th place is especially delicate because it reflects that it is no longer close to the top 10.
An area where it has historically sought to position itself to compete with greater authority against the powers that be.
Mexico is no longer the best in Concacaf
Another worrying sign in the FIFA Ranking is that Mexico is no longer the best-placed team in CONCACAF.
In this update, the United States appears above it, in 15th place, confirming that regional dominance is no longer guaranteed.
For the Hispanic public living in the United States, this situation is also strongly felt:
In many cities El Tri plays at home because of the huge Mexican presence, but today the numbers show a much more evenly matched competition – and with a U.S. advantage in the standings.
Pressure on Aguirre
The panorama is made even more intense by the context of the new process.
Javier Aguirre returned to the national dugout as an emergency gamble to set the course for 2026.
With the World Cup so close, every friendly match weighs heavily, because there is no more margin for error or time to “test” without results.
In this scenario, the matches against Bolivia and Panama generate expectations, but also doubts:
The fans expect clear signs of improvement, a solid base and a team that recovers its identity, intensity and confidence.
Mexico is in 16th. place
QuéOnnda.com
What fans should watch out for in 2026
Beyond the exact position in the FIFA Ranking, the key for Mexico will be:
Regain competitive rhythm and victories
Define a reliable base line-up
Raise the level against demanding opponents
The 2026 World Cup is getting closer and closer.
And although Mexico will be playing at home, the FIFA Ranking makes it clear that El Tri cannot rest on its laurels, because the real level will be measured against teams that today are several rungs above them.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
