In less than two months, the most anticipated event for soccer fans from all over the world arrives after four years of waiting. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is just about to start, and we are more than ready to support the Mexican team at the end of November. In celebration, Acapella presents you with some interesting facts about Mexico and its participation in the World Cup through history.
1. We played in the first World Cup in history
In 1930, Mexico had the opportunity to participate in the first Soccer World Cup in history. This cup was held in Uruguay and we were one of 13 countries that participated in this first edition. Just a few years earlier, the first national team selection occurred in 1923, and Mexico had its first international appearance at the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam. Since then, the FIFA World Cup has become the most watched sporting event in the world.
2. We played in the first game of the first World Cup
In the 1930 World Cup, the first two games in the cup's history were played simultaneously on July 13, and Mexico participated in one of them. Sadly we lost to France 4–1.
3. Juan Carreño scored the first goal for Mexico
In that same match against France, Juan 'Trompo' Carreño scored the first goal on behalf of our country. Coincidentally, Carreño also scored the first goal for Mexico at the Olympic Games in 1928. Carreño played in the forward position and played for Atlante FC for most of his career.
4. We scored the first penalty in World Cup history
Manuel 'El Chaquetas' Rosas was the player who scored the first penalty in the World Cups. It was during Mexico's third game, playing against Argentina in 1930. At just 18 years old, Rosas became the youngest player to score a goal in the World Cup. It was a title he continued to hold until Pelé dethroned him in 1958 at the age of 17. Still, Rosas remains the second-youngest player in the world to score a World Cup goal, and was the first Mexican player in World Cup history to score two goals in one game.
5. We have hosted two cups
Mexico has hosted the World Cup twice, the first in 1970 and the second in 1986.
6. Mexico scored the best goal in World Cup history
In the round of 16 match against Bulgaria in 1986, Manuel Negrete scored the best goal in the history of the cup. It was a goal that is constantly called a work of art, and Negrete's volley was so impressive that it was awarded recognition by FIFA itself .
7. Mexicans are part of the soccer players with the most world cups
Currently, there are six soccer players in history tied for the most appearances in the World Cups. Mexico is the only country with more than one player on this list: Antonio Carbajal and Rafael Márquez have both participated in five different World Cups, and the list includes players from Germany, Argentina, Italy, and Portugal. Carbajal was the first player in history to attend five World Cups. This year Guillermo 'Memo' Ochoa and Andrés Guardado join the list , since with Qatar 2022 they reach five World Cups in their repertoire with the Mexican team.
8. We are one of the host countries of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The tournament will take place in 16 different cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mexico City will be the lucky cities that will receive one of the 10 matches that will take place in the country. But there are still another four years to go before that great event. It should be noted that this cup will also make history, since it expands from 32 to 48 teams in competition.
For now, Qatar 2022 is a new opportunity for Mexico to make its mark in the most important soccer tournament in the world. So we have to support our team so that they leave everything on the pitch this year. Go Mexico!
