World Cup 2026 – Mexico in the team profile
Under pressure to the point of blood
12/19/2025 – 5:43 p.mReading time: 5 minutes
Mexico is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup – but is already under pressure in the group phase. Mexico doesn’t want to fail halfway again, especially in its own country.
Mexico has mixed feelings about the big party in world football. The expectations are high, but without the qualifications there is no clear positioning. Coach Javier Aguirre is supposed to stabilize the team after there was often unrest in the squad and the association at previous tournaments.
What makes him confident is that “El Tri” delivers under him in competitive games, especially when the pressure increases – like in the Gold Cup triumph last summer. At the same time, the search for a reliable offensive and clear processes remains the central issue. The World Cup in their own country will also be a big test for Mexico.
As co-hosts, Mexico is automatically included in the 2026 World Cup and therefore did not have to go through qualification. In eight test matches in the calendar year, they only managed one win (1-0 against Turkey). Three games were lost. But they impressed at the Gold Cup, where they triumphed with a 2-1 final victory over arch-rivals USA.
Co-hosts Mexico are seeded as group leaders in the preliminary round of the 2026 World Cup. Group A will be against the following opponents.
South Africa – June 11th, 7 p.m. (CET), in Mexico City: South Africa appears as a physically robust team that relies primarily on speed and transition moments. For Mexico, it will be crucial in the opening game of the World Cup to control the center and avoid losing the ball early. In the past, this was a weak point for “El Tri”.
South Korea – June 19th, 1 a.m. (CET), in Guadalajara: It’s not just the German national team that knows: South Korea is an unpleasant opponent, especially at world championships. The team defends compactly, is strong and disciplined and looks for quick attacks on the wings. Mexico has to be extremely careful about counterattacks from the Asians.
Play-off team (Europe), Path D – June 25th, 1 a.m., in Mexico City: Mexico’s third opponent comes from the European play-offs. Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic or Ireland are possible, the favorites are likely to be the Danes. In any case, you can expect a tactically well-organized team that appears physically stable. At the Aztec Stadium in Mexico, the home team benefits from the heat, altitude and frenetic fans.