Hosts Canada, Mexico and USA Thrive in Their World Cup

The co-hosting nations of Canada, Mexico, and the USA are experiencing unprecedented success in the World Cup, leveraging the advantage of playing on home soil.

Mexico has captured the hearts of its fans, ending a 40-year drought by winning a knockout game against Ecuador to advance to the last 16. The team, affectionately known as El Tri, is now setting its sights on defeating England in a highly anticipated match. Their journey began with a comfortable group stage, but their dominant performance against Ecuador, a team that had previously beaten Germany, served as a clear warning to their upcoming opponents. Winger Julian Quinones has emerged as a standout player with three goals, while veteran striker Raul Jimenez celebrated a long-awaited World Cup goal. Coach Javier Aguirre aims to match Mexico's best-ever World Cup performance from 1970 and 1986 by reaching the quarterfinals.

"I can tell you that this team deserves what is happening," Aguirre said, referencing the reported million people who took to the streets of Mexico City to celebrate their victory over Ecuador. "This big connection with the fans and playing the World Cup."

The USA has also ignited national enthusiasm, dispelling any doubts about their tournament presence with an energetic, attacking style under coach Mauricio Pochettino. 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 star player Folarin Balogun, who has scored three goals, the USA demonstrated their strength by comfortably defeating Paraguay 4-1 and holding on against Bosnia with 10 men. They now face Belgium in the last 16, with aspirations of reaching the quarterfinals for only the second time.

Canada has already etched its name in World Cup history by reaching the knockout stages, highlighted by a resounding 6-0 victory over Qatar. Finishing second in Group B, they advanced to face South Africa on American soil, securing their first-ever knockout victory.

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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.