With a host nation behind them, Mexico entered the 2026 World Cup carrying the hopes of an entire country. Under Javier Aguirre, a nation dared to dream.
Mexico host a World Cup for a third time a record no other nation will ever match. The 'quinto partido' curse El Tri's seven consecutive Round of 16 exits (1994-2018) followed by a first group-stage exit in 2022 is the narrative shadow over every Mexican campaign. Javier Aguirre returned for a third stint in 2024, tasked with steadying the ship in time for the home tournament.
With the weight of a host nation behind them, Mexico looked unstoppable in the group stage, winning every match and signalling their intentions early. They overcame Ecuador in the Round of 32, and were narrowly knocked out by England in the Round of 16. The narrowest of defeats against England ended what had been a promising tournament run.
4won1lost
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4 consecutive wins kept 4 clean sheets.
Santiago Giménez, 25, is Mexico's new frontline centerpiece after starring for Feyenoord and AC Milan. He inherits the striker lineage of Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Javier Hernández, and Raúl Jiménez, and enters 2026 as El Tri's main scoring threat.
Conceded in only 1 of 5 matches
Julián Quiñones led Mexico's attack with 4 goals 2 in the group stage, 1 in the round of 32 and 1 in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
Aguirre 'El Vasco' previously managed Mexico at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, reaching the Round of 16 both times. He has coached Atlético Madrid, Espanyol, Osasuna, Real Zaragoza, Leganés, and Mallorca in Spain. His appointment in 2024 was broadly welcomed as a return to pragmatic, experienced hands for a home tournament. In charge for 3 consecutive World Cups 4 wins from 5 under Aguirre.
