A New Era for the National Team
Mexico is currently positioning itself as a rising power in women’s football. As the nation prepares to host segments of the men’s 2026 World Cup, the focus is also shifting toward the long-term growth of the women’s national team. After missing qualification for the 2022 World Cup, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) initiated a comprehensive overhaul of its program. This included the appointment of Spanish coach Pedro López and a significant increase in financial investment, ensuring players have access to top-tier training, nutrition, and recovery facilities.
National team forward María Sánchez notes that the environment today is drastically different from when she debuted in 2015. “The way we travel, the way we train, the staff we have, the resources with nutrition and the gym — it’s night and day,” she stated. The team is now laser-focused on qualifying for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, an effort that requires maintaining momentum through upcoming Concacaf qualifiers.
The Impact of Liga MX Femenil
Much of the national team's progress is anchored in the success of Liga MX Femenil. Founded in 2016, the league has evolved into a global platform for elite talent. According to recent reports, it stands as one of the most-watched women’s leagues worldwide. This domestic growth has been highlighted by Club América’s victory in the 2025 Concacaf W Champions Cup, where they overcame NWSL powerhouses like the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC.
Guillermo Zamarripa, a prominent sports agent, emphasizes that the league’s professionalization is no accident: “There has to be a lot of factors for something like that — the level of competition, the level of development from a player perspective, the infrastructure of the facility.” The league's openness to international players and dual-nationals since 2019 has been a pivotal factor in raising the competitive bar.
Overcoming Historical Barriers
The journey toward equality in Mexican football has been arduous. Veteran analyst and former player Janelly Farías reflects on the challenges she faced, including systemic sexism that initially barred her from pursuing a professional career. “The recurring theme throughout my life was, ‘Well, you can’t play because you’re a girl,’” Farías recalled.
Farías, who became the first Mexican-American to play in Liga MX, spent years advocating for better pay and professional standards. While top-tier salaries have grown significantly—reaching up to 200,000 pesos monthly for elite players—she notes that the broader league still faces challenges regarding financial parity. Despite these hurdles, Farías remains optimistic about the future.
Looking Toward 2031
The ultimate goal for Mexico is not just success on the field, but also establishing the country as a primary destination for global tournaments. With a bid underway to co-host the 2031 Women’s World Cup alongside the U.S., Jamaica, and Costa Rica, the stakes have never been higher.
“If the Mexican national team were to not qualify [for 2027], it would be an absolute failure,” says Farías. However, the current infrastructure and the quality of the talent pool suggest that the team is ready to compete at the highest level. For those who have witnessed the sport's evolution from the sidelines, the prospect of a home World Cup represents more than just a tournament—it symbolizes a monumental victory for women in Mexican society.