News

Who is Mexico most likely to play in the Round of 32 at the World Cup?

Published

Jun 19, 2026 at 01:17 AM EDT

Tyler Erzberger

Mexico has qualified for the knockout stages at the World Cup.

Following a 1-0 win on Thursday night at home against South Korea, Mexico not only booked their ticket to the Round of 32, but confirmed their spot as Group A winner. That means their Round of 32 match will be at home in Mexico City, where Mexico has made Estadio Azteca a fortress for decades.

But who will they play in the Round of 32?

Here are their most likely draws.

More news: I’m American and Afraid to Admit It: England Can Win the World Cup

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 13: John McGinn (2nd L) #7 of Scotland celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Haiti and Scotland at Boston Stadium on June 13, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

More news: Ranking All 48 Nations at the 2026 World Cup, From Worst to First

1. Scotland (27.5%)

Per Fusion Football, which simulated the current tournament standings 10,000 times, the most likely adversary for Mexico in the Round of 32 is the Tartan Army and Scotland.

Scotland could change this if they upset Morocco or Brazil, which would then possibly have Mexico taking on one of those two teams in the first round. But as of right now, it seems as if Scotland is the most likely team to take on Mexico when the single-elimination matches begin.

Tartan Army in Mexico City might create a scene for the ages.

2. Ecuador (21.7%)

The second most likely team, per the simulations, is Ecuador.

The defensive specialists from South America could poise a huge problem with Mexico if they are the team facing them in the Round of 32. Ecuador had confidence they could be the winner of their group that included Germany, but those dreams were shattered following their first game against Ivory Coast, losing 1-0.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 15: Vozinha #1 of Cabo Verde applaud fans after the 0-0 draw during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

3. Cape Verde (10%)

Read More

Show More

Leave a Reply

Back to top button