In 2018, the Mexico men’s national soccer team began its 16th U.S. tour in San Antonio during their road to the FIFA World Cup in Russia. Mexico matched up with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Alamodome in front of nearly 30,000 fans. The game marked the fifth time Mexico would play at the Alamodome, with the previous game coming during the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2017.
Mexico, the 17th ranked team in the world, came into the match heavily favored against 38th ranked Bosnia. Neither team was able to score until Hugo Ayala scored a header for Mexico in the 66th minute. While Mexico dominated in shots on goal and possession, Bosnia was able to keep the score at 1-0 for the remainder of the game.
Hopes were aloft for Mexico as they beat defending champion Germany during the first group stage game of the 2018 World Cup. In the round of 16 against Brazil those hopes were dashed as they fell 0-2. The loss marked the seventh consecutive tournament, Mexico failed to reach the quarterfinals.
Soccer continues to be an Alamo City staple. Just two years prior to the Mexico-Bosnia game, San Antonio FC was founded. In 2024, the U.S. men’s national team played a game at SAFC’s Toyota Field, and in 2026, Toyota Field will be a World Cup base camp.