Adedokun Waliyu 
The three host nations of the 2026 FIFA World Cup—Canada, Mexico and the United States—have all enjoyed impressive campaigns, using home support to produce some of their best performances in the tournament’s history.
While several traditional football powers have struggled in the expanded tournament spread across three countries and 17 cities, the co-hosts have continued to build momentum.
Mexico
Mexico have already achieved a major milestone by ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout-stage victory after defeating Ecuador to reach the Round of 16.
Backed by passionate home support, El Tri progressed comfortably through a favourable group that included South Africa, South Korea and the Czech Republic before producing an impressive display against Ecuador, a team that had beaten Germany during the group stage.
Winger Julián Quiñones has emerged as one of the tournament’s standout players, scoring three goals in four matches, while veteran striker Raúl Jiménez ended his long wait for a World Cup goal in Mexico’s opening game.
Coach Javier Aguirre is now aiming to guide Mexico to the quarter-finals for the first time since the country hosted the World Cup in 1986. Mexico will face England in the Round of 16.
United States
The United States have captured the attention of football fans nationwide with an exciting brand of attacking football under coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Their 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 became the most-watched football match in American television history, averaging 33.5 million viewers across all networks.
The USA began the tournament with a convincing 4-1 win over Paraguay, who later eliminated Germany from the competition.
Despite playing with ten men after Folarin Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Americans comfortably secured qualification for the Round of 16.
Without the suspended Balogun, who has scored three goals at the tournament, the USA will now take on Belgium as they seek only their second-ever appearance in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Canada
Canada have already written a new chapter in their football history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
They advanced after an emphatic 6-0 victory over Qatar and finished second in Group B behind Switzerland.
Canada then claimed their first-ever World Cup knockout victory by defeating South Africa 1-0, with Stephen Eustaquio scoring the decisive goal in Los Angeles.
Their next challenge is a Round of 16 clash against Morocco in Houston. Head coach Jesse Marsch described his players as “Canadian heroes” for their achievements so far and said facing one of the tournament favourites presents an opportunity to continue their remarkable run.
With all three co-hosts still in contention, Canada, Mexico and the United States are enjoying one of the most successful collective performances by host nations in World Cup history, raising hopes of even deeper runs into the tournament.
