From Necaxa to Tigres: A Look at Mexican Clubs’ Club World Cup Legacy


With the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup ushering in a new 32-team format, Mexican clubs are once again in the global spotlight. As ESPN recounts, teams from Liga MX have consistently represented CONCACAF on this stage, delivering historic performances and nearly reaching the summit.
Tigres’ run to the final in 2020 remains the most notable showing, as they fell just short against Bayern Munich. Monterrey and Pachuca have each secured third place twice, with Monterrey becoming a regular at the competition in recent years. The journey began back in 2000, when Necaxa shocked the world by finishing third after defeating Real Madrid in a penalty shootout.
Since then, Mexican clubs have only missed the tournament twice—in 2005 and 2022—and have been represented by a variety of sides, including América, Cruz Azul, Atlante, Chivas, and León. While several campaigns ended in quarterfinal or semifinal exits, the presence of Mexican teams has been a near-constant in the Club World Cup narrative.
In 2024, Pachuca made headlines by reaching the final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup—a prelude to the expanded Club World Cup. They beat Botafogo and Al Ahly before losing to Real Madrid, clinching a runner-up finish that underscored their international credentials.
As the 2025 edition kicks off, hopes are high that a Mexican team can finally break through and lift the trophy. History shows it’s not out of reach—and that the dream edges closer with each tournament.


















