By OkayGoal 
After missing the last two FIFA Women’s World Cups, Mexico is closer than it has been in years to returning to the sport’s biggest stage. The road to Brazil 2027 is becoming clearer, and recent performances suggest that El Tri Femenil may finally be ready to end its long World Cup drought. While Mexico has not yet secured qualification, the team enters the upcoming Concacaf W Championship with momentum and growing confidence.
A Decade Without the World Cup
Mexico has not qualified for a FIFA Women’s World Cup since 2015. The national team failed to reach both the 2019 and 2023 tournaments, leading to significant changes within the program. Since then, the Mexican Football Federation has increased its investment in women’s soccer, placing a greater emphasis on player development and strengthening the domestic game.
One of the biggest success stories has been Liga MX Femenil. Since its launch in 2017, the league has become one of the strongest women’s soccer competitions in the Americas. The growth of the league has created more opportunities for soccer players to develop professionally while providing the national team with a deeper and more experienced talent pool.
Recent Results Show Progress
Mexico enters World Cup qualifying in strong form. In its last five international friendlies, the team has posted a 4-1 record while allowing just three goals.
The run began with a 2-0 victory over New Zealand in late 2025, followed by a 2-0 win against Costa Rica in December. Mexico continued its impressive stretch in March with a 1-0 victory over Brazil, one of the top teams in women’s soccer.
Most recently, El Tri split a pair of friendlies against Australia. Mexico earned a 1-0 victory in the opening match before falling 3-1 in the second meeting. Despite the loss, competing against a nation that reached the semifinals of the 2023 Women’s World Cup provided valuable experience ahead of qualifying.
Perhaps most impressive is that Mexico recorded four shutouts during those five matches. The team’s defensive organization has become one of its greatest strengths heading into the biggest tournament of the cycle.
The Path to Brazil 2027
Mexico’s World Cup hopes will be decided at the Concacaf W Championship, scheduled for Nov. 24 through Dec. 5, 2026.
The tournament features eight teams: Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Haiti, Jamaica, Panama, and the USWNT. Unlike previous qualifying cycles, the competition will begin with quarterfinal matches.
The stakes are simple. The four quarterfinal winners advance to the semifinals and automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four losing teams will move into the FIFA inter-confederation playoff tournament for another chance to qualify.
Mexico has been drawn against Haiti in the quarterfinals. A victory would immediately secure the country’s first Women’s World Cup appearance since 2015.
Why Mexico Has a Real Chance
Several factors are working in Mexico’s favor. Increased investment in girls soccer and women’s soccer has strengthened the development pathway for young players. Liga MX Femenil continues to produce talented soccer players capable of competing internationally.
The national team has also benefited from facing stronger competition in friendlies. Matches against Australia and Brazil have helped prepare the squad for the pressure of knockout competition.
Still, nothing will come easy. Haiti, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Panama all have recent World Cup experience and understand what it takes to succeed on the international stage. With qualification potentially coming down to a single match, there is little room for error.
Mexico is not qualified yet, but it may be closer than ever. After years of rebuilding, one win in the Concacaf W Championship could send El Tri Femenil back to the Women’s World Cup and mark a major milestone for women’s soccer in Mexico.
Featured image via @miseleccionfem