Mexico will now have hosted World Cup matches on three occasions. The previous two times? It reached the quarterfinals.
It would be disastrous to not do so this time around, especially considering the home-field advantage El Tri will have. Mexico held its own at home in a March friendly against Portugal, settling for a scoreless draw before another stalemate with Belgium in Chicago.
The co-host will lean on veteran Fulham striker Raul Jimenez, but it remains to be seen if the team brings young midfielders Gilberto Mora and Obed Vargas. But could an unprecedented sixth World Cup appearance be in the cards for keeper Guillermo Ochoa
Here’s what you need to know about Mexico:
How they Qualified:
Just like fellow co-hosts Canada and the U.S., Mexico automatically qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The country now becomes the first country in World Cup history to have games on home soil, having first hosted in 1970 and then in 1986. The latter of those two editions came after FIFA withdrew hosting duties from Colombia.
World Cup Group Stage Schedule:
- June 11: Mexico vs. South Africa – Mexico City Stadium (3 p.m. ET)
- June 18: Mexico vs. South Korea – Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico (9 p.m. ET)
- June 24: Mexico vs. UEFA playoff winner D (Czechia, Republic of Ireland, Denmark, North Macedonia) — Mexico City Stadium (9 p.m. ET)
Earlier World Cup appearances:
- 1930, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970 (hosts), 1978, 1986 (hosts), 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
What’s Mexico’s Finest End within the World Cup?
- 1970 and 1986 — Quarterfinals
Who’ll be Mexico’s participant to observe?
Raul Jiménez is a part of Mexico’s veteran core. He scored 9 of El Tri’s 22 objectives in 2025, together with a brace in each the Nations League semifinal and remaining. Jimenez additionally netted the profitable aim within the Gold Cup semifinal and added one other within the win over the U.S. within the event remaining. Jimenez, who has already performed in three World Cups, has additionally scored 9 objectives for Fulham throughout all competitions this season and is in superb type coming into an essential summer season with a World Cup on dwelling soil.
Who’s Mexico’s Supervisor for the World Cup?
For 2026, Mexico will probably be leaning on a well-known face in Javier “El Vasco” Aguirre. A seasoned Mexican coach, Aguirre is at the moment in his third stint as supervisor of the nationwide crew. He first led Mexico on the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, guiding them to the spherical of 16 each instances. Aguirre additionally gained the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2009, and most just lately turned the primary supervisor in Mexico’s historical past to win two Gold Cups, after triumph in 2025. Over his tenure with El Tri throughout all spells, he has essentially the most wins ever by a Mexico coach, surpassing Ricardo La Volpe. His regular management and worldwide expertise – having coached in Spain, Japan, and Egypt – have made him a cornerstone of Mexican soccer.
Mexico’s All-Time Main Scorer:
- Javier “Chicharito” Hernández: 52 goals
- Played for Guadalajara, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham United, Sevilla, LA Galaxy
Mexico’s All-Time Caps Chief:
- Andrés Guardado: 180 caps
- Played for Atlas, Deportivo La Coruña, Valencia, Bayer Leverkusen, PSV, Betis, León
Mexico’s Staff Nickname:
Concerning the Nation:
- Population: approximately 132 million
- Capital: Mexico City
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