The USA vs Mexico soccer rivalry is the most fierce in CONCACAF and one of the most heated in international football. Here's the complete history of this North American showdown.
All-time head-to-head record
| Metric | USA | Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Total wins | ~22 | ~38 |
| Draws | ~16 | |
| Goals scored | ~90 | ~140 |
| Confederation titles meeting | CONCACAF Gold Cup x10+ | |
Mexico holds the overall edge historically, but the USA has dominated recent meetings (2010s-2020s).
The "Dos a Cero" tradition
"Dos a Cero" (Spanish for "2-0") is the score line that defines the rivalry. In World Cup qualifiers played at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio (later Lower.com Field), the USA has beaten Mexico 2-0 multiple times in a row:
- 2001: USA 2-0 Mexico (WC qualifier)
- 2005: USA 2-0 Mexico (WC qualifier)
- 2009: USA 2-0 Mexico (WC qualifier)
- 2013: USA 2-0 Mexico (WC qualifier)
- 2016: USA 1-2 Mexico (rare loss at Crew)
The score became symbolic. Fans tatoo it. Bars play "Dos a Cero" by Latin artists. It's the foundation myth of US soccer.
Famous matches
2002 World Cup Round of 16 — USA 2-0 Mexico
In Korea. USA's biggest WC win against any team. Brian McBride and Landon Donovan goals. Sparked the modern USMNT.
2009 Confederations Cup — Brazil 3-0 USA
Not USA-Mexico but pivotal: USA beat Spain (Brazil-bound Spanish team) 2-0 in semifinal. Foreshadowed USA's rise.
2011 Gold Cup Final — Mexico 4-2 USA
Mexico's biggest comeback. USA led 2-0, Mexico scored 4 unanswered. Played at Rose Bowl, Pasadena.
2021 Concacaf Nations League Final — USA 3-2 Mexico
In Denver. Extra time epic. McKennie, Pulisic, Reyna goals. USMNT's modern coming-of-age.
2022 Concacaf W Championship — USA 1-0 Mexico
USWNT continues dominance over Mexican women's team.
The 2026 World Cup angle
For the first time, USA and Mexico co-host the same World Cup. They could meet only in the knockout stages (group placement is engineered to keep co-hosts apart). If they meet — say, in the Round of 16 or Quarter-Final — it would be the most-watched soccer match in North American history.
Cultural significance
The USA-Mexico rivalry transcends sport. It reflects immigration, identity, language, and shared border politics. Most Mexican-American fans support Mexico for emotional reasons + family heritage. USMNT has historically been the team of converted soccer fans.
Where to watch USA vs Mexico in 2026
- Telemundo (Spanish, USA)
- Fox Sports (English, USA)
- Univision + Televisa (Mexico)
- BBC + ITV (UK)
- FIFA+ app (streaming worldwide)
Learn the states by playing
Statedoku uses "Hosts USA-Mexico WC matches" as a constraint.
Play today's puzzle →Frequently asked questions
What is the USA vs Mexico head-to-head record?
Mexico leads historically (~38 wins to USA's ~22). But the USA has dominated recent meetings (2010s-2020s) including the 2021 Nations League Final.
What does "Dos a Cero" mean?
"Dos a Cero" means "2-0" in Spanish. It's the score the USA repeatedly beat Mexico by at Crew Stadium (Columbus, Ohio) in WC qualifiers 2001-2013. It became symbolic of the rivalry.
Can USA play Mexico at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, but only in the knockout stages. FIFA engineers the group stage to keep co-hosts apart.
Where do most Mexican-American fans live?
California, Texas, Arizona, Illinois, Florida — about 37 million Mexican-Americans in the US (largest Latin American diaspora in the country).