Co-host nations Mexico, the United States and Canada are closing in on historic achievements at the FIFA World Cup as all three teams continue impressive campaigns into the knockout stages.
With home support, familiar conditions and growing momentum proving decisive, the tournament’s host countries have emerged as some of the competition’s biggest success stories.
Mexico dreaming of quarter-final breakthrough
Mexico have already ended a 40-year wait for a knockout-stage victory after defeating Ecuador to reach the round of 16.
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Backed by passionate home support, El Tri now face England in a highly anticipated encounter.
Javier Aguirre’s side progressed through the group stage by defeating South Africa, South Korea and the Czech Republic before producing an impressive display against Ecuador.
Julian Quinones has been one of Mexico’s standout performers with three goals in four matches, while veteran striker Raul Jimenez scored an emotional World Cup goal in the opening game of the tournament.
Aguirre is seeking to guide Mexico into the quarter-finals for the first time since the nation hosted the competition in 1986.
“I can tell you that this team deserves what is happening,” Aguirre said.
“This big connection with the fans and playing the World Cup.”
USA chasing another quarter-final appearance
The United States have embraced the spotlight under Mauricio Pochettino, whose attacking philosophy has helped energise supporters across the country.
A 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last 32 reportedly became the most-watched football match in US television history, attracting an average audience of 33.5 million viewers.
The Americans opened their campaign with a convincing 4-1 win over Paraguay and have continued to impress despite losing Folarin Balogun to suspension.
Balogun has scored three goals during the competition and has been one of the team’s most influential players.
The USA will now face Belgium in the last 16 as they seek only their second-ever place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Canada continue dream run
Canada have already made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
The Canadians booked their place in the last 16 after a dominant 6-0 victory over Qatar and later secured a first-ever knockout win against South Africa thanks to a late goal from Stephen Eustaquio.
Jesse Marsch’s side now face one of their toughest tests yet against Morocco in Houston.
Marsch said his players had already become “Canadian heroes” for reaching this stage and described the clash with the 2022 semi-finalists as an opportunity to play without pressure.
With Mexico, the USA and Canada still competing, the tournament hosts continue to demonstrate the impact that home support and momentum can have on football’s biggest stage.
