Mexico will become the first country to host three World Cups when the renovated Estadio Azteca takes center stage from June 11. But beneath the historic milestone lies a national team still wrestling with decades of disappointment and instability.
The weight of 'la maldicion del quinto partido' - the failure to reach the quarter-finals since 1986 - has haunted Mexican football for generations. Since 1994, Mexico advanced from the group stage only to lose in the round of 16. In 2022, they failed to reach a fourth match for the first time since 1978.
The fallout triggered promises of structural reform across Mexican football, but critics believe little has really changed. Argentinian manager Diego Cocca lasted just seven matches in 2023 before Jaime Lozano took over, won the Gold Cup, then was dismissed after Mexico crashed out in the 2024 Copa America group stage.
Javier Aguirre, now in his third spell as coach, was brought back to steady the ship. His results have been more consistent, underpinned by two recent CONCACAF trophies, but doubts remain about the team's identity and a growing rift with fans.
Mexico, drawn alongside South Africa, South Korea and the Czech Republic in Group A, is expected to progress as group winners. That could set up a manageable last-32 tie before a possible clash with England or Croatia.
The iconic Estadio Azteca, which staged the 1970 and 1986 finals, offers hope: Mexico did not lose a match there in those tournaments. Former midfielder Leonardo Cuellar believes this could finally be the year Mexico breaks the curse, helped by home support and Aguirre's experience.
Yet for a football-obsessed country that measures World Cups in heartbreak as much as victories, belief alone has rarely been enough.