The rivalry still tilts Mexico’s way overall
WASHINGTON, DC — The United States men’s national team has turned the Mexico matchup into one of the defining games in its calendar, but the all-time edge still belongs to El Tri. Mexico leads the series 38 wins to 25, with 17 draws.
That total reflects a rivalry that has shifted sharply over time. Mexico controlled the first big stretch for decades, while the U.S. has been much more competitive in the modern era, especially in major tournaments and regional finals.
Where the rivalry began
The first men’s meeting between the United States and Mexico came in Rome on May 24, 1934, in World Cup qualifying for the tournament in Italy. Aldo “Buff” Donelli scored all four U.S. goals in a 4-2 American win.
Donelli’s soccer career was unusual even by old-school standards. He later coached in the NFL, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Rams, and his U.S. appearances remained tied to those high-profile matches in 1934.
Mexico’s long run of control
Mexico answered that first loss with a long unbeaten run against the United States. From 1937 through 1980, the Americans could not beat El Tri in 21 straight meetings.
During that span, the U.S. managed only three draws, and all of them came in Los Angeles. The overall early-era record left Mexico with an overwhelming 18-3-1 edge in the series.
The modern balance has tightened
The rivalry has been far more even in recent decades. Since that long Mexican run ended, the United States has gone 24-14-20 against Mexico, showing how much closer the matchup has become.
That improvement has helped turn USA-Mexico into the headline event for many U.S. Soccer cycles, outside of the World Cup itself. It is the game that often tells fans how far the program has come.
Big names and big scoring nights
The goal-scoring leaders in the rivalry are packed with familiar names. Landon Donovan leads the U.S. with six goals against Mexico, followed by Michael Bradley with five. Christian Pulisic is tied with Donelli on four.
On the Mexican side, Guadalajara great Salvador Reyes is the top scorer in the series with seven goals against the United States. Those individual marks underscore how often the rivalry has been shaped by star moments.
Dos a Cero became an American soccer slogan
No phrase is more attached to this matchup for U.S. fans than “Dos a Cero.” The chant grew from repeated 2-0 wins for the Americans, especially in World Cup qualifying and in the 2002 World Cup round of 16.
Columbus became the signature setting for that score line, with the United States beating Mexico 2-0 there multiple times in qualification. Mexico finally snapped the Columbus streak with a 2-1 win in 2016, but the U.S. later revived the result in 2022 qualifying in Cincinnati.
Major trophies and the most famous meeting
Mexico still owns the larger trophy haul in the region. El Tri has won 10 Gold Cups, compared with seven for the United States. The U.S. leads the CONCACAF Nations League race, 3-1, while Mexico has also added five other major trophies, including the Confederations Cup.
The most famous meeting remains the 2002 World Cup round of 16 in Jeonju, South Korea. Brian McBride scored early and Donovan added a second-half goal in a 2-0 U.S. win, one of the most important results in American soccer history.
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