Five World Cup Economies on the Rise: Mexico

Mexico wouldn't have made the World Cup had it not been for two goals by the United States against Panama in the last minutes of CONCACAF qualifying. Similarly, Mexico wouldn't have the most stable economic outlook were it not for deep trade ties with the US. Put simply, there is no country headed to Brazil with such close footballing and economic prospects. While Mexico barely made the World Cup, El Tri are formidable opponents after making the round of 16 in the past five tournaments. A group stage draw against Cameroon, Brazil and Croatia will be competitive, but, Mexico has the talent to advance. To get to the knockouts, Coach Miguel Herrera will need last minute cohesion among star players Chicarito, Uribe Peralta and Andres Guardado. Economically, Mexico's prospects are more clear. The country is the biggest exporter to the US, buffering it from a slowdown in China. Prudent macro policy and deregulation under president Enrique Pena Nieto also provide an economic tailwind. "Mexico is a manufacture-based economy and has very limited trade and financial links to China," Goldman Sachs states. They favor Mexico when compared against other large emerging markets.