Hosts Canada, Mexico and USA Thrive in FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is proving to be a triumphant tournament for the co-hosts, with Canada, Mexico, and the USA all exceeding expectations and leveraging the significant advantage of playing on home soil. Mexico, in particular, has captured the nation's passion, ending a 40-year wait for a knockout stage victory by defeating Ecuador to reach the last 16. Coach Javier Aguirre's team has shown strong form, with winger Julian Quinones emerging as a standout performer, netting three goals in four games. Veteran striker Raul Jimenez also broke his World Cup duck, adding emotional weight to their campaign.

Mexico City erupted in celebration after the win over Ecuador, with reports of one million people taking to the streets. Aguirre emphasized the profound connection between the team and its fans, stating, "This big connection with the fans and playing the World Cup." The team is now setting its sights on reaching the quarter-finals, a feat that would match their best-ever World Cup performances in 1970 and 1986.

In the United States, any initial doubts about the team's performance have been emphatically dispelled. Coach Mauricio Pochettino's high-energy, attacking football has captivated the nation. Their 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last 32 became the most-watched football match in US television history, drawing an average of 33.5 million viewers. Even with the suspension of key player Folarin Balogun, who has scored three goals, the US team demonstrated resilience, comfortably securing their place in the last 16 against Bosnia. They now face Belgium, with aspirations of reaching the quarter-finals for only the second time in their history.

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I can tell you that this team deserves what is happening. This big connection with the fans and playing the World Cup.