Mexico team profile - FIFA World Cup 2026
In the build-up to FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA, Canada and Mexico, we shine a spotlight on Mexico.
FIFA World Ranking: 15
Confederation: CONCACAF
Who is Mexico’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Mexico’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Javier Aguirre, who was appointed back in July 2024 for what is his third spell in charge of the national team.
Who is Mexico’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Mexico’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Edson Alvarez, who led El Tricolor to victory in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, winning the tournament’s Golden Ball award in the process.
How many times have Mexico participated in a FIFA World Cup before 2026?
17 – 1930, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1978, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
What is Mexico’s best performance at a FIFA World Cup?
Quarter-finals – 1970, 1986 (Both of those quarter-final appearances took place at World Cups where Mexico were tournament hosts)
How did Mexico qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Mexico qualified automatically for FIFA World Cup 2026 as tournament hosts.
Who are Mexico’s star players?
Most will focus on Mexico’s frontline at FIFA World Cup 2026 and understandably so. Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan) is coming off the back of surgery undertaken with the intent of being fully-fit for the tournament and the striker who scored the winning goal for Mexico at the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup final could have a big part to play with his imposing figure and natural finisher’s instincts when in front of goal.
But the main focus will be on fellow forward Raul Jimenez (Fulham), who is set to appear at his fourth FIFA World Cup for El Tricolor, adding to over 120 caps since his debut back in 2013. Jimenez, who has spent the last eight seasons of his club career in the English Premier League, has racked up over 40 goals for his country and won numerous trophies, including two CONCACAF Gold Cups and the 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League, a competition in which Jimenez was named Best Player after top scoring across the tournament.
Skipper and defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez (Fenerbahce) was also key to Mexico’s success in the Nations League, alongside their recent CONCACAF Gold Cup success. His ability to dominate midfield and shut down the opposition by gaining back possession through tackles and interceptions is absolutely crucial to this side’s chances at FIFA World Cup 2026.
Who is in Mexico’s group at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Mexico are in Group A, which consists of the following teams:
Mexico
South Africa
Korea Republic
Czechia
Mexico’s Group A fixtures are as follows:
Mexico vs South Africa: Thursday June 11, 2026 – 3:00pm ET, 8:00pm UK
Mexico vs Korea Republic: Thursday June 18, 2026 – 9:00pm ET, 2:00am UK (Friday)
Czechia vs Mexico: Wednesday June 24, 2026 – 9:00pm ET, 2:00am UK (Thursday)
All kick-off dates are based on a local kick-off time
Where is Mexico’s base camp at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Centro de Alto Rendimiento– Mexico City, Mexico
Expert prediction for Mexico’s chances at FIFA World Cup 2026
Mexico come into FIFA World Cup 2026 with one goal in mind, break their hideous round of 16 streak and get back to the last eight of football’s biggest international tournament. From 1994 all the way to 2018, El Tricolor had been eliminated in the round of 16 seven straight times. Whilst they finally broke that streak at FIFA World Cup 2022, it was for the wrong reason. Having picked up only four points from three games, Mexico failed to progress beyond the group stage, finishing below Poland and eventual winners Argentina.
At FIFA World Cup 2026, Mexico have two key factors working in their favour. Firstly, a relatively kind draw on paper pairs them with South Africa, Korea Republic and Czechia, all extremely winnable matches. Secondly, home advantage is in their favour for the group stage at least, a crucial aspect of this competition which their opponents having to handle heat, altitude and the deafening atmosphere expected to be created by Mexican fans.
With that in mind, it would be no surprise to see Mexico ride the crest of a wave and win Group A outright. Provided they defeated their third-place opponents in the round of 32, that would lead to a showdown with the Group L winners at Estadio Azteca, which is likely to be England.
A knockout match between Mexico and England in front of a partisan Mexican crowd at one of the most iconic venues in all of football would be must-see television. But Mexico’s shortcomings at this stage of the World Cup are notorious and England boast more strength-in-depth across their team. When factoring this into the equation, it’s hard to see Mexico progressing.
What round will Mexico reach at FIFA World Cup 2026? Round of 16
