As Mexico prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, the team faces a critical moment in its footballing history. Once regarded as a strong competitor, recent performances have raised concerns. In the 2022 tournament, Mexico exited in the group stage for the first time since 1978. With the opportunity to host again, hopes are high for a significant turnaround.
2026 World Cup Group Draw and Schedule
Mexico’s group was established during the draw held on a recent Friday. They are placed in Pot 1 along with 11 other teams. Here are the details:
- Group Members: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and one of Denmark/North Macedonia/Czechia/Republic of Ireland
Match Schedule
Here are the scheduled matches for Mexico in the group stage:
| Date | Time (ET) | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun. 11 | TBD | Mexico vs. South Africa | Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City |
| Jun. 11 | TBD | South Korea vs. TBD | Estadio Guadalajara, Guadalajara |
| Jun. 18 | TBD | TBD vs. South Africa | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA |
| Jun. 18 | TBD | Mexico vs. South Korea | Estadio Guadalajara, Guadalajara |
| Jun. 24 | TBD | TBD vs. Mexico | Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City |
| Jun. 24 | TBD | South Africa vs. South Korea | Estadio Monterrey, Monterrey |
Mexico’s World Cup History and Recent Performances
Mexico has a long-standing tradition in World Cup history, having qualified for every tournament since 1994. From 1994 to 2018, the team consistently advanced past the group stage.
- Total World Cup Appearances: 17
- Best Finishes: Quarterfinals in 1970 and 1986
- Current FIFA Ranking: 15th
- World Cup Titles: 0
The New Coaching Era
Following the disappointing performance in 2022, Mexico appointed Javier Aguirre as head coach in July 2024. Aguirre brings experience from his previous stints with the national team and has successfully led them to a Nations League title.
Key Players to Watch
As the team enters the tournament, several players stand out:
- Edson Alvarez: A driving force in midfield.
- Raúl Jimenez: The veteran forward with substantial World Cup experience.
- Hirving Lozano: Known for his pivotal role in Mexico’s past successes.
- Gilberto Mora: A young talent with potential to shine.
Projected Roster for the 2026 World Cup
The following is a projected 26-man roster for Mexico in the upcoming World Cup:
| Position | Name | Club | Caps |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Luis Malagón | Club America | 19 |
| GK | Guillermo Ochoa | AEL Limassol | 151 |
| DEF | Jesus Gallardo | Toluca | 113 |
| FWD | Raul Jimenez | Fulham | 121 |
| FWD | Hirving Lozano | San Diego | 75 |
| FWD | Gilberto Mora | Tijuana | 5 |
As the excitement builds for the 2026 World Cup, Mexico aims to leverage its hosting advantage and rich football history to make a significant impact in the tournament.
