As Mexico prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside the United States and Canada, the nation's hopes are high, and key players are expressing their confidence in the team's potential. Edson Álvarez, the Fenerbahçe defensive midfielder and captain of the Mexican national team, believes that El Tri can make a significant impact on home soil.
"I'm happy because we have faced those rivals before," Álvarez told TUDN, referring to the team's Group A opponents. Mexico is set to face South Korea, South Africa, and the winner of the UEFA Playoff D in the group stage. Álvarez highlighted the advantage of playing at home, aiming to replicate Mexico's best historical results, referencing the quarter-finals reached in the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, both hosted in Mexico. "You feel a responsibility as one of the hosts to open this great event," Álvarez stated. He added, "We rely on the extra support the fans give us, and opening the event against South Africa helps, and we can do great things".
Mexico will open the 2026 World Cup against South Africa on June 11 at the renovated Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This match holds historical significance, as Mexico also faced South Africa in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Javier Aguirre, currently in his third stint as Mexico's coach, was also at the helm for that 2010 encounter.
Mexico is determined to improve upon their performance in the 2022 World Cup, where they failed to advance past the group stage for the first time since 1990. With the motivation of playing on home soil, El Tri aims to win Group A and secure a fourth match at home in the knockout rounds.
Aguirre acknowledged the challenge of not knowing their final group opponent, the UEFA Playoff D winner. "We recently played Korea. We know South Africa very well, but the Europeans (in the playoff) are very different," Aguirre explained. He assured that his staff would analyze potential opponents to prepare accordingly.
The Mexican squad boasts a blend of experience and emerging talent. Veteran players such as Raúl Jiménez, who will lead Mexico's attack, and Hirving Lozano are expected to play key roles. Edson Álvarez, with his leadership and growing influence, is also considered a star player. Exciting young talents like Gilberto Mora are also players to watch. Jesús Gallardo and Jorge Sánchez bring further experience to the team, with Gallardo and Jimenez both having over 100 caps.
Mexico has a tradition of performing well when hosting the World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals in both 1970 and 1986. The home fans could provide a significant boost as they seek to advance deep into the tournament.
However, Mexico has never won a World Cup opener, with a record of five defeats and two draws in seven previous attempts. The match against South Africa presents an opportunity to change this narrative and set a positive tone for their 2026 campaign.
The renovated Estadio Azteca, with an expanded capacity of over 90,000 seats, will host the opening match. This will be the first official match held at the stadium since it closed for renovations in May 2024.
With a blend of experienced players and promising youngsters, Mexico aims to capitalize on the home advantage and make a deep run in the 2026 World Cup. Álvarez's confidence reflects the team's ambition to make history and potentially go further than ever before in a World Cup.
