World Cup 2026: How Canada, Mexico and USA fared and what's next

Canada, Mexico and the United States, the three co-hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, have all seen their campaigns end in the Round of 16. Despite the early exits, each team made history on home soil and introduced a new generation of talent. FIFA looks back at their achievements, the young players who stood out, and what lies ahead.

Canada: First wins and a defensive anchor

Canada made their third World Cup appearance and first on home soil, achieving several milestones. They earned their first-ever point with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the opener, followed by their first World Cup win—a 6-0 thrashing of Qatar in which Jonathan David scored a hat trick. That victory secured a first knockout-round berth, and they then won their first knockout match, a 1-0 Round of 32 victory over South Africa.

Defender Luc de Fougerolles, 20, was a revelation for coach Jesse Marsch. The Fulham centre-back started all five matches, showing maturity beyond his years, winning aerial duels consistently, and displaying sharp passing ability. He is expected to anchor Canada's defense for at least the next decade.

Canada's next goal is to win a continental title. They last won the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2000. With two Gold Cups and additional Nations League tournaments scheduled before 2030, Canada has opportunities to add silverware.

Mexico: Breaking the curse and a teenage star

Mexico thrilled fans with a strong run. They opened with a 2-0 win over South Africa at Mexico City Stadium and recorded three more clean-sheet victories, achieving four wins at a World Cup for the first time. They also ended a 40-year knockout-round drought by defeating Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32.

Midfielder Rodrigo Mora, still only 17, was a standout. The Tijuana player excelled in central midfield, showing fearlessness against England in the Round of 16—constantly demanding the ball, running at defenders, and using intelligent movement and turns to wrong-foot opponents.

Mexico's squad had been one of the oldest in recent tournaments, but a new wave led by Mora is revitalizing the program. Other young talents include midfielders Obed Vargas and Brian Gutierrez, defender Mateo Chavez (who scored against Czechia), and forward Armando Gonzalez—all aged 23 or under. Their development could help Mexico break more records in four years.

USA: Historic goals and a breakout right-back

The United States also rewrote their history books. A 4-1 win over Paraguay in the opener marked the first time USA scored four goals in a World Cup match. A 2-0 victory against Australia gave them two group-stage wins for the first time. They then beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32, their first knockout win since 2002. That result also made USA the first Concacaf team to reach double-digit goals at a World Cup, finishing with 11.

Right-back Alex Freeman, 21, emerged as a key player. He provided an assist against Paraguay, scored against Australia, and displayed toughness and physicality throughout the tournament.

All three co-hosts now look ahead to the next cycle, building on their historic achievements and the promise of their young stars.