World Cup Preview: Mexico

Mexico will become the first country to host three World Cups when they face South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on June 11.

In Qatar, they got knocked out in the group stages for the first time since 1978, but a double-winning 2025 has given their fans hope in this tournament, after a turbulent four years under three different managers.

Fixtures (UK time)

South Africa, June 11, 8pm
South Korea, June 19, 2am
Czechia, June 25, 2am

How They Qualified

As one of the host nations, Mexico didn’t need to qualify, but they haven’t been shy of tournament football in the last few years.

They still reign supreme in North America after adding a 2025 Nations League triumph to their Gold Cup wins in 2023 and 2025. In a disappointing 2024 Copa America campaign though, they finished below Ecuador and Venezuela to crash out the group stages.

The Manager

Javier Aguirre returned to the national team for a third stint in 2024, and steadied the ship after the short-lived reigns of Diego Coccia and Jaime Lozano. The 67-year-old is widely viewed as the greatest Mexican manager in history, but will he be able to lift a squad lacking in world-class talent?

The Star

At 35, Fulham’s Raul Jimenez has one more chance to finally make an impression for his country on the world’s biggest stage. He was limited to substitute appearances in the last two World Cups but a return of nine goals in 14 international appearances in 2025 will see him leading the line this time around.

The Familiar Face

Guillermo Ochoa is set to play in his fifth World Cup. The 40-year-old is the third-oldest player in the tournament behind Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, 41) and Craig Gordon (Scotland, 43). He looks likely to add to his 152 caps as Mexico’s starting goalkeeper, before retiring after the tournament.

Did you know?

Mexico’s fans believe their national team is under a curse. “La maldicion del quinto partido” (The curse of the fifth game) tormented the team as they fell in the round of 16 in seven successive tournaments, before bowing out in the group stage in Qatar.

The Prediction

Round of 16

Mexico shouldn’t have too many problems getting out of the group stage, and first place will pit them against a third-place finisher. If they get through that, a Round of 16 tie against England or Croatia might follow. We think that will be one step too far.

Cover Photo: “Mexico Flag” by World’s Direction, Public Domain Dedication (CC0)