The curse of Mexico's fifth match in the World Cups: what is it and how did it originate?

Every story has its good side and its bad side. In football, for example, this contrast often occurs with players, although some national teams have also suffered from it, such as Mexico, which has almost always qualified for the World Cup, but very rarely has managed to overcome the round of 16.

In the 16 World Cup participations that Mexico has had, the national team has only been able to advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament on two occasions (1970-1986), coincidentally when it was the host of the World Cup. Thus, with the exception of those two opportunities, the 'Tri' (as the Mexico national team is affectionately called) has accumulated 14 editions in debt with their fans.

While it is true that in their first appearances in the World Cup they did not go beyond the group stage, Mexico's level of play has been growing exponentially to become the dominant force in the CONCACAF. However, after missing out on the 1990 World Cup in Italy, a strange 'curse' befell the 'Tri'. Are you familiar with it?

Origin of the curse of the fifth match

Known as the curse of the fifth match, this story of the 'Tri' in the World Cups began with the 1994 World Cup in the United States, when the national team said goodbye to the tournament in the round of 16, against Bulgaria. Since then, Mexico has suffered 7 consecutive eliminations at that stage.

As for their executioners, it is worth remembering that Mexico has been defeated by Germany, the United States, Argentina twice, the Netherlands and Brazil, in addition to the aforementioned Bulgaria, over the years. Faced with this panorama, Qatar 2022 looks unpromising for a 'Tri' that will have to face Chile, Poland, and Saudi Arabia.

But why is the 'Tri' unable to surpass the round of 16 and reach the fifth match? Whether due to bad luck, some poor refereeing decisions, or simply not playing well, Mexico's case can only find an answer in the psychological and mental aspects, which are the main causes of the team's blocking and elimination.

When is the Qatar 2022 World Cup held?

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be held from November 21 to December 18, 2022, with 32 countries vying for the ultimate glory.

Qatar World Cup match schedule

The 32 teams competing in the Qatar 2022 World Cup will be divided into eight groups of four teams each, facing each other in three matches in a round-robin format. The top two from each group will advance to the round of 16 and face each other in a format of first against second from the following group.

• Group stage: November 21 to December 2.
• Round of 16: December 3 to December 6.
• Quarterfinals: December 9 and 10.
• Semifinals: December 13 and 14.
• Third/Fourth place: December 17.
• Final: December 18.

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