Mexico is eliminated from the 2022 World Cup after finishing third in Group C. As a result, Gerardo’ Tata’ Martino is leaving his job as the head coach of the national team.
Mexico entered the final match of the group stage, needing a convincing win over Saudi Arabia to advance to the knockout stage. They managed to win 2-1, but that still wasn’t enough to move to the second spot in the group. Poland finished with the same number of points after a 2-0 loss to Argentina but got through thanks to a better goal difference.
The group stage exit is a disaster for the Mexico national team, considering they have reached the Round of 16 in the past seven World Cups. The last time the country participated in the World Cup and didn’t make it out of the group stage was in 1978.
“I am the first responsible for this terrible disappointment and frustration that we have,” Martino said after the game. “As the person in charge, it causes a lot of sadness, I fully assume responsibility for this great failure.”
Gerardo’ Tata’ Martino took over Mexico’s national team in 2019 after a successful stint with MLS side Atlanta United. He posted a managerial record of 42 wins, 12 draws, and 12 losses as Mexico’s head coach while winning CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2019 and finishing runner-up during the 2019-20 CONCACAF Nations League.
