USMNT vs. Mexico rivalry: Can America overcome a winless history in World Cup qualifying at Estadio Azteca?

The United States men’s national team faces a daunting task on Thursday night, visiting Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca for a crucial World Cup qualifier against the Mexican national team. Kickoff is set for 10 p.m. ET, and you can watch the game live on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+. The largest stadium in Mexico and Latin America, the venue hasn’t been the most welcoming for the Americans over the year, but there is a huge, historic opportunity just hours away. Both the Americans and El Tri with work left to be done in order to qualify for 2022 World Cup, so three points for either here will put them on the verge of qualification. 

Here’s a look at how things have gone for the USMNT at Estadio Azteca over the years:

All-time record in World Cup qualifying 

The United States has played nine total World Cup qualifiers in Mexico over the years, and there has not been a single occasion where the Americans have recorded a win. In the nine games, six have ended in defeat and three have been a draw, including the last meeting back in 2017. 

Mexico won the first five meetings against the U.S. at Azteca in qualifying, with the first ever point for the Americans coming before the 1998 World Cup, drawing 0-0 in November 1997.

Has the U.S. ever won at Azteca?

Actually, yes. The U.S. has won at Mexico just once, coming in a 2012 international friendly, where Mexican-American striker Michael Orozco scored the winner in the 80th minute of a 1-0 win. 

It came off a lovely run from Brek Shea down the left, with Orozco cleaning up in front of goal to silence the entire stadium.

What’s the best goal the USMNT has scored at Azteca?

That’s an easy one, and it came in their last meeting in Mexico in qualifying. It’s wild to think this was back in 2017, but it was Michael Bradley’s audacious hit from way out that caught Guillermo Ochoa out of position. It’s easily the best goal the U.S. has scored at Mexico and one that was hard to believe and just as wild to watch on replay. Take a look:

Does the U.S. have a realistic chance?

Definitely. Now, look, it’s not going to come easy and don’t be surprised if the U.S. loses, but this is a Mexico team struggling with consistency and form under Tata Martino. Not only have the Americans beaten Mexico three times in a row, but El Tri have shown they will drop points at home this cycle, failing to beat Canada and Costa Rica at Azteca. This is a Mexico team that is low in confidence in attack, and if ever there was time to steal one, it’s here.