If there is anything that will rapidly accelerate interest in the 2026 World Cup, it is success by the host nations: Mexico, the United States and Canada.

History suggests none have any real chance of winning the tournament, but hopeful signs indicate the three nations will progress past the first-round group stage — and in Mexico’s and the U.S.’s case, perhaps even further.

Mexico’s pedigree, combined with the fact that a winning run would allow it to play all its games up until the quarter-finals at the high-altitude Azteca Stadium, is a huge advantage. Fans will expect the team to at least reach the round of 16; anything less will be considered a major failure.

And if the form book holds, fans could look forward to a mouth-watering last-16 match between Mexico and third-favorites England at the Azteca on Sunday, July 5.

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