Did Mexico win the 2014 FIFA World Cup?

Answer 1

Despite their strong performance in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Mexico was ultimately eliminated in the Round of 16, having lost to the Netherlands 2-1 on June 29. Mexico initially struggled in the qualification matches for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, having performed poorly throughout its group and finishing fourth.

In fact, Mexico almost failed to qualify for the tournament altogether, having lost 1-2 to Costa Rica on their last qualifying match. However, the United States sudden last-minute comeback 3-2 victory over Panama saved Mexico's fourth place finish in the CONCACAF qualifications. The United States had been trailing Panama 1-2, but made two quick goals in stoppage time, two minutes before the match ended. Had Panama claimed a win on the United States, they would have taken fourth place away from Mexico.

Both Costa Rica and the United States had already qualified for the World Cup, along with Honduras, leaving Mexico clinging to the fourth place play-off with OFC's winner. Mexico later went on to defeat New Zealand in the play-off to finally qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Historically, Mexico's best performance at the FIFA World Cup was in 1970 and 1986 reaching the Quarter-finals (Mexico hosted both these tournaments). Mexico is also one of the most successful teams from CONCACAF, being the only team to become a FIFA-recognized champion (1999 FIFA Confederations Cup).

Answer 2

They had to qualify through the Concacaf group of nations. As the second seed, they entered at the third round stage of qualifying. They played each of Costa Rica, Guyana and El Salvador home and away, winning all 6 matches. In the fourth round they played each of Costa Rica, United States of America, Honduras, Panama and Jamaica home and away. They won 2, drew 5 and lost 2 of their 10 matches. They finished 4th overall in that group and qualified for a play-off. They played New Zealand twice in that play-off, home and away, winning both matches. By winning they qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals.