As Mexico gears up for a crucial rivalry match against the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) on Tuesday, the team is grappling with a growing crisis. After a string of disappointing performances, including a 2-2 draw with Valencia’s B-team, Mexico’s national soccer team is facing mounting criticism and unrest. Fans have repeatedly expressed their dissatisfaction, with boos ringing out after five of the team’s last six games.

New head coach Javier Aguirre, hired in July, is tasked with pulling El Tri out of its slump, but the pressure is immense. The Mexican Football Federation fired three coaches in less than two years, hoping Aguirre, in his third stint as coach, can restore confidence in the team. However, early results, including a 0-0 draw against Canada and Saturday’s lackluster friendly, have done little to inspire optimism.

At the heart of the issue is a deeper problem within Mexican soccer. Despite high expectations, Mexico’s current squad is struggling to compete at the elite level. In previous years, many of Mexico’s top players plied their trade in Europe’s biggest leagues. In 2024, however, only three of the national team’s 27-man roster play at that level, with most players now based in Liga MX.

This lack of development and international exposure has been pinpointed as a major reason for Mexico’s struggles. Liga MX clubs have been reluctant to transfer their best players to Europe, limiting their growth and hindering the national team’s competitiveness. Former player Miguel Layún has called for a complete overhaul of Mexico’s soccer development system, even if it means sacrificing the 2026 World Cup.

Despite these challenges, Aguirre remains optimistic about the long-term project, with a focus on building a strong team for the 2026 World Cup. However, the immediate pressure is unrelenting. The team faces the U.S. on Tuesday without the luxury of patience, and a poor result will only intensify the scrutiny.

For Mexico, this match against a weakened USMNT—missing key players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie—is a pivotal moment. The stakes are high, and failure to win could deepen the crisis and spark even more criticism from both fans and pundits. As veteran midfielder Andrés Guardado noted, playing for Mexico comes with enormous responsibility, and the team must be prepared to handle the relentless pressure.

If Mexico fails to turn things around soon, the road to the 2026 World Cup could be more turbulent than ever.