Former Mexico international Leonardo Cuellar, who represented his country at the 1978 World Cup, believes that the upcoming tournament on home soil could finally be the year that Mexico breaks its long-standing “fifth-game curse.” The so-called curse refers to Mexico’s repeated inability to advance past the round of 16 at the World Cup—a hurdle that has haunted the nation’s football ambitions for decades.
“This time we’re going to make it,” said Cuellar, now 73, expressing optimism that both his heart and head agree on Mexico’s prospects as they prepare to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. With an expanded 48-team format, the stakes are higher than ever, as Mexico will need to win a round-of-32 match to reach the coveted fifth game.
Cuellar, who also played for Mexico at the 1972 Munich Olympics, cautioned the squad to stay focused. “If you’re already thinking about the fifth game, you might get stuck before that and not even have the opportunity,” he advised. “They need to concentrate on game by game, let their moment build.”
He has confidence in head coach Javier Aguirre, now in his third stint with “El Tri,” and in the experience of assistant coach and former player Rafael Marquez. Cuellar also pointed to the influence of Europe-based players like Edson Alvarez, Raul Jimenez, and Julian Araujo as a potential catalyst, but warned that playing in Europe alone is not enough to guarantee World Cup success.
Off the pitch, Cuellar criticized FIFA’s dynamic ticket pricing for the tournament, arguing it has placed match access out of reach for many loyal Mexican fans. “Now the prices have been set very, very far above the means of our society. That die-hard fan … will now have to settle for a big screen,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the potential impact of U.S. immigration policies under President Donald Trump, warning that Mexican fans living in the United States with green cards or temporary visas could face legal complications if they wish to attend World Cup matches. Recent reports from Amnesty International have highlighted the risk of large-scale arrests and deportations affecting communities during the tournament.
As Mexico prepares for its historic World Cup campaign at home, Cuellar’s message to the team is clear: stay focused, build momentum, and seize the opportunity to make history.
