How Mexico finished 9th in the World Cup, outranking Brazil and Germany

Mexico bows out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a performance that leaves plenty of reasons for optimism. Although the ultimate goal was to reach the final eight, El Tri finished the tournament as the ninth-best team, securing a place in the Top 10 at the World Cup on home soil.

Following the conclusion of the Round of 16, FIFA finalized the rankings for the eliminated teams, with Mexico emerging as the highest-ranked nation among those that failed to reach the Quarterfinals—a reward for the consistency and strong performances Javier Aguirre's side displayed throughout the tournament.

Why did Mexico finish ninth at the World Cup?

FIFA determines the final rankings of eliminated teams based on several performance criteria, including points earned, goal difference, and goals scored throughout the tournament.

In El Tri's case, a perfect group stage with nine points, a victory over Ecuador in the Round of 32, only three goals conceded, and a +7 goal difference allowed Javier Aguirre's squad to secure ninth place, finishing behind only the eight teams that advanced to the Quarterfinals.

Mexico finished ahead of several global powerhouses

Despite its Round of 16 defeat to England, Mexico ended the tournament ahead of several traditional football powers.

El Tri finished above Brazil, which was eliminated by Norway in the Round of 16, as well as the Netherlands and Germany, both of whom were knocked out in the Round of 32.

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