The Mexican national team has a long history with the CONMEBOL Copa America, often delivering memorable moments, but its most recent entry left fans with mixed feelings. After a hiatus during which Mexico did not participate in the continental championship, the team is set to return in 2024. Jaime Lozano leads El Tri as they rejoin the Cup, which will be hosted by the United States this time around.
Federations listened to the supporters and arranged for Mexico to reappear in the CONMEBOL competition, this time as invited guests. They were placed in Sector B alongside Argentina, the United States, and Brazil, reflecting the ceremonial status that comes with a guest nation in this format.
With El Tri’s return to the Copa América, it is worth revisiting the team’s recent chapter in the South American tournament, a period that left a difficult impression. This review, compiled for context, highlights key results and the reactions that followed. (Goal)
WHEN WAS MEXICO LAST PART OF THE AMERICAN CUP?
The most recent invitation for El Tri to participate in CONMEBOL came in the 2016 edition, the Copa America Centenario, hosted in the United States. The tournament crowned Chile as champions under the guidance of coach Juan Antonio Pizzi.
WHAT HAPPENED ON THE field FOR MEXICO?
The performance under then-head coach Juan Carlos Osorio drew significant scrutiny. The group began with a promising 3-1 win over Uruguay and followed with a 2-0 victory against Jamaica. The final group stage fixture finished in a 1-1 draw with Venezuela, allowing Mexico to top Group C with seven points and an undefeated record in the group phase.
In the quarterfinals, Mexico faced Chile in a historic contest that ended in a 0-7 defeat for La Roja, marking a painful moment for El Tri. That result lingered in the collective memory of fans and critics alike. Now, eight years later, there is renewed hope that Mexico can restore its standing in the CONMEBOL framework and elevate Concacaf representation in a South American competition. (Goal)
As anticipation grows for the 2024 edition hosted by the United States, observers expect El Tri to balance the pride of its regional heritage with the challenges of facing seasoned South American powers. The broader conversation this time around centers on how Mexico can leverage its experience, develop depth in the squad, and approach the tournament with a mindset geared toward sustained performance across a demanding schedule. (Goal)
In the broader context of regional football, the Copa América return for Mexico is viewed as an opportunity to measure development against some of the world’s most storied national teams. The evolving dynamics of CONCACAF and CONMEBOL, along with the media attention in North America, contribute to a narrative that mixes ambition with the realities of competitive balance in a prestigious, historically South American competition. (Goal)