Mexico World Cup 2026 preview: Players to watch, group matches and squad | World Cup 2026 News
Mexico Aims to Overcome World Cup Quarterfinal Hurdle
Mexico prepares for its 18th World Cup appearance, with hopes of breaking what fans term the “Curse of El Quinto Partido,” or the Fifth Game. The national team, known as El Tri, has reached the quarterfinals only twice, both times when it hosted the tournament in 1970 and 1986. In the last seven editions, Mexico exited in the Round of 16.
The team currently ranks 14th in the FIFA rankings, under the leadership of coach Javier “Vasco” Aguirre, who expressed optimism about advancing further this year, especially given the favorable home-field conditions. Mexico will be the first country to host three World Cups. Aguirre remarked that home advantage can be invaluable, citing England’s success when it hosted the tournament.
Historically, Mexico’s quarterfinal runs occurred during its home tournaments in 1970 and 1986. Aguirre, a midfielder during the 1986 World Cup, recalls a controversial match against Germany, where Mexico had a numerical advantage before he himself was sent off.
This marks Aguirre’s third tournament in charge of the national team. He faced criticism during his previous stints, including a notable defeat to the United States in 2002 and a loss to Argentina in 2010. Since returning to manage the team in 2024, Aguirre has led Mexico to victories in both the Gold Cup and Nations League.
Mexico’s playing style emphasizes quick passing, facilitated by midfielders Alvaro Fidalgo and Alexis Vega. The team also includes young talents such as 17-year-old Gilberto Mora. Edson Alvarez and Luis Romo are anticipated to hold defensive roles, while Roberto Alvarado and Cesar Huerta offer speed on the wings.
In defense, Johan Vasquez and Cesar Montes are the primary center backs, as Aguirre experiments with flexibility in formation. Jorge Sanchez is poised to start at right back, with competition from Israel Reyes, who is negotiating a move to AS Roma. Veteran Jesus Gallardo likely retains the left-back position over younger player Mateo Chavez.
Striker Raul Jimenez, 35, leads the attack. After suffering a skull fracture in 2020, his scoring has diminished, but he remains a key player and ranks third in Mexico’s all-time scoring list with 44 goals. Alternative options include Santi Gimenez and Armando Gonzalez.
In goal, Raul Rangel replaces Luis Malagon due to an Achilles rupture, while Guillermo Ochoa, at 40, is set to make history as the first Mexican player to participate in six World Cups, surpassing Antonio “Cinco Copas” Carbajal’s record of five.
The squad includes several naturalized players, such as Fidalgo, who spent years with Club America before moving to Spain, and Julian Quinones, a forward with extensive Liga MX experience. US-born midfielders Brian Gutierrez and Obed Vargas also feature in Aguirre’s plans.
Group Outlook
Mexico enters Group A as a favored contender, facing challengers in the Czech Republic and South Korea, while South Africa hopes to create an upset. The tournament kicks off with a rematch against South Africa, echoing the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, where Mexico holds a favorable record at Estadio Azteca.
The home advantage, combined with strong local support, is expected to bolster Mexico’s chances as they transition from Mexico City and Guadalajara to potential matches in Los Angeles or Houston.
Group Stage Match Schedule
- June 11: Mexico vs. South Africa (Mexico City), 3 p.m. ET
- June 18: Mexico vs. South Korea (Guadalajara), 9 p.m. ET
- June 24: Czech Republic vs. Mexico (Mexico City), 9 p.m. ET
Mexico’s World Cup Squad
- Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel (Guadalajara), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol), Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna)
- Defenders: Israel Reyes (America), Jorge Sanchez (PAOK), Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Mateo Chavez (Alkmaar)
- Midfielders: Edson Alvarez (West Ham), Luis Romo (Guadalajara), Obed Vargas (Atletico Madrid), Brian Gutierrez (Guadalajara), Orbelin Pineda (AEK Athens), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Cesar Huerta (Anderlecht), Alvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis), Luis Chavez (Dynamo Moscow)
- Forwards: Roberto Alvarado (Guadalajara), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Julian Quinones (Al-Qadisiyah), Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan), Guillermo Martínez (Pumas), Armando Gonzalez (Guadalajara), Raul Jimenez (Fulham)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on June 11, and fans can follow the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated World Cup page for the latest updates and live commentary.
