Mexico World Cup history, records and 2026 fixtures
Short overview
Mexico prepares for its 18th World Cup as co-host in 2026, aiming to surpass its quarterfinal finishes from 1970 and 1986. Coach Javier Aguirre, a veteran of the 1986 team, leads a squad featuring veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and 17-year-old prodigy Gilberto Mora.
Mexico is set to make history as the first country to host three editions of the FIFA World Cup, co-hosting the 2026 tournament alongside Canada and the United States. El Tricolor, a regular fixture at the global finals, is preparing for its 18th campaign. The team's last World Cup on home soil was in 1986, when it reached the quarterfinals—a feat matching its run as host in 1970. Home support played a decisive role in both campaigns, and Mexican fans are expected to be a key factor once again.
Javier Aguirre returns for third stint
Javier Aguirre, a veteran of the 1986 squad, returned as head coach in July 2024, replacing Jaime Lozano. This marks Aguirre's third tenure as Mexico's head coach. He previously led the team at the 2002 World Cup, where they lost 2-0 to the USA in the Round of 16, and at the 2010 World Cup, where they fell 3-1 to Argentina at the same stage. Aguirre has emphasized the goal of achieving Mexico's best-ever World Cup performance, saying in March 2025: "We're all focused on the end goal, which is for Mexico to have our best-ever World Cup."
Rafael Marquez as assistant
Aguirre is supported by assistant coach Rafael Marquez, the legendary former national team captain. Marquez, who is expected to take over as head coach for the 2030 World Cup, brings extensive World Cup experience and insights from his playing days at Barcelona, where he won multiple trophies over seven years. His character and experience are seen as vital to Mexico's ambitions.
2026 World Cup group stage fixtures
Mexico will compete in Group A. Their group stage matches are as follows:
- 11 June: Mexico vs. South Africa – Mexico City Stadium
- 18 June: Mexico vs. Korea Republic – Estadio Guadalajara
- 24 June: Czechia vs. Mexico – Mexico City Stadium
Squad highlights: Ochoa and Mora
For his third World Cup, Aguirre has named a squad featuring two headline additions at opposite ends of their careers. Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is set to appear at his sixth World Cup, while 17-year-old forward Gilberto Mora becomes the youngest Mexican player ever selected for a World Cup squad. Mexico qualified automatically as co-hosts. The 2026 tournament will feature an expanded 48-team format, making it the largest World Cup in history.
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