World Cup 2026: Mexico is under particular pressure as co-host

World Cup 2026 – Mexico in the team profile

Under pressure to the point of blood

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 great, 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 the coach confident: In competitive games, “El Tri” delivers under him, especially when the pressure increases – like in the triumph in the Gold Cup last summer. At the same time, the search for a reliable offensive and clear processes remains the central issue.

Aguirre and his team are almost doomed to win. Mexico is suffering from cartel crime, drug and human trafficking, economic problems and the growing pressure from the Trump administration in the USA, which hardly leaves Mexico in good stead. The Mexicans long for a successful World Cup as co-hosts, something like a “summer fairy tale” that Germany experienced in 2006. If “El Tri” succeeds, they will be celebrated as heroes. If not, the mood will change very quickly.

As co-hosts, the Mexican national team 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 11, 9 p.m. (CET), in Mexico City: South Africa appears to be 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 19, 1 a.m. (CET), in Guadalajara: Not only the German national team has known since the painful World Cup exit in 2018: South Korea is an unpleasant opponent, especially at World Cups. 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.

Czech Republic – June 25, 1 a.m., in Mexico City: The Czech national team has qualified for a World Cup for the first time after a 20-year absence. In a dramatic play-off final against Denmark, coach Miroslav Koubek’s team won 3-1 on penalties. The Czech Republic had previously finished second behind Croatia in the group stage and defeated Ireland in the play-off semi-finals. Led by captain Tomáš Souček and striker Patrik Schick, the team is currently impressive with its strong physicality and defensive discipline.