Mexico at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Mexico is one of the most experienced World Cup nations, having appeared at 17 previous editions before 2026. Their first participation came at the inaugural 1930 tournament and they have qualified continuously since 1994. Their best results came as host nation: quarter-finals in both 1970 and 1986. In seven other editions they reached the round of 16, giving them a consistent record of second-round finishes. Mexico has never won the tournament.

Qualification

Mexico qualified automatically as a co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and the United States. This is Mexico's third time hosting the World Cup, having previously done so in 1970 and 1986. As host, Mexico bypassed the regular CONCACAF qualifying rounds entirely.

Preparation

Mexico opened their pre-tournament camp on 6 May 2026 at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento (CAR) in Mexico City, initially with Liga MX-based players. Coach Javier Aguirre released a preliminary 55-player list, then named the final 26-man squad on 1 June 2026. A friendly against Ghana was played on 22 May at Estadio Cuauhtemoc in Puebla, followed by a 1-0 win over Australia on 30 May at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena (Johan Vasquez header from an Alexis Vega corner). They closed their preparation with a 5-1 win over a young, non-qualified Serbia side on 4 June 2026 at the Estadio Nemesio Diez in Toluca. Mexico won their Group A opener 2-0 against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on 11 June, with Julián Quiñones (9') and Raúl Jiménez (67') scoring as South Africa finished with nine men. A shadow was cast by a 90+2' red card to captain César Montes for a DOGSO foul. With Montes suspended for the second match, Aguirre moved Edson Álvarez to centre-back, kept Raúl Rangel in goal, and started Luis Romo in midfield. Mexico defeated South Korea 1-0 at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara on 18 June, with Romo scoring in the 50th minute after goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu fumbled a cross. Rangel made a crucial double save in the 87th minute to preserve the clean sheet. The result confirmed Mexico as Group A winners with 6 points and zero goals conceded from two matches, and made them the first team to reach the knockout round of the 2026 World Cup. The wins lifted Mexico four places to 11th in the FIFA world rankings (from 15th in April, up to 1,721.78 points). In the final group match on 24 June at the Estadio Azteca, Aguirre rotated heavily with Ochoa starting in goal: Mateo Chávez (55'), Julián Quiñones (61') and Álvaro Fidalgo (90+4') each scored in a 3-0 win over Czechia. Guillermo Ochoa came on in the 78th minute, becoming the oldest Mexican to play at a World Cup and making his fourth appearance across six tournaments. Mexico became the first El Tri side to complete a World Cup group stage with a perfect nine-point record and three clean sheets. In the Round of 32 on 30 June at the Estadio Azteca, Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 (Quiñones 22', Jiménez 31'), their first World Cup knockout-stage win in 40 years, sending Ecuador out of the tournament. Mexico then faced England in the Round of 16 on 5 July at the Estadio Azteca with a fully fit squad and no injury or suspension concerns. Jude Bellingham scored twice (36', 38') to put England 2-0 up before Quiñones pulled one back (42'). England were reduced to ten men when Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute for a challenge on Jesús Gallardo, but Harry Kane converted a penalty (60') to restore a two-goal cushion; Raúl Jiménez scored a late penalty of his own (69') after VAR review, but Mexico could not find an equaliser and lost 3-2, exiting the tournament in the Round of 16. Coach Javier Aguirre took responsibility for the exit, calling it 'painful' while praising his players' effort, and confirmed his departure from the role, with assistant Rafa Márquez set to succeed him as head coach.

Latest news

Mexico eliminated from World Cup 2026 as England win 3-2 in the Round of 16

· matches

Jude Bellingham scored twice (36', 38') for England before Julián Quiñones pulled one back (42'). Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute for a foul on Jesús Gallardo, but Harry Kane scored a penalty (60'). Raúl Jiménez added a late penalty (69') after VAR review, but Mexico lost 3-2 at the Estadio Azteca, exiting in the Round of 16.

Aguirre takes responsibility for Mexico's exit and confirms departure as head coach

· coach

After the 3-2 loss to England, Javier Aguirre said he was proud but hurt, calling the elimination 'painful' and taking responsibility: 'If there is any criticism, it should be directed towards me.' He confirmed his departure from the role and expressed confidence in assistant Rafa Márquez, previously announced as his successor.

Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to reach the Round of 16, first World Cup knockout win in 40 years

· matches

Julián Quiñones (22') and Raúl Jiménez (31') scored in the first half as Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca in the Round of 32. It was Mexico's first World Cup knockout-stage win since beating Bulgaria in 1986, ending Ecuador's tournament. Ecuador's Piero Hincapié was sent off in the 90+5th minute. Mexico advanced to face England in the Round of 16.

Mexico report no injury or suspension concerns ahead of Round of 32 against Ecuador

· squad

Mexico enter the Round of 32 with a clean bill of health: no players are out or doubtful ahead of the June 30 clash against Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca. César Montes' suspension from the South Africa red card has been served. Aguirre is expected to restore Raúl Jiménez to the starting lineup after the striker was rested for the Czechia match.

Mexico to face Ecuador in Round of 32 on June 30 at Estadio Azteca

· matches

Mexico's Round of 32 opponent is Ecuador, a best third-placed qualifier after a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Germany on June 25. The match is set for June 30 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City (9 p.m. ET). A Mexico win sends El Tri into the Round of 16 on July 5, also at the Azteca, against the England vs DR Congo winner. Mexico leads the all-time head-to-head series 14-4 (7 draws).

Mexico beat Czechia 3-0 to complete perfect group stage; Ochoa makes historic sixth World Cup appearance

· matches

Mexico beat Czechia 3-0 at the Estadio Azteca, finishing Group A with nine points, three wins and three clean sheets - the first time El Tri swept a group stage. Chávez scored on 55', Quiñones on 61', Fidalgo on 90+4'. Ochoa came on in the 78th minute, becoming the oldest Mexican to play at a World Cup (40); he plans to retire from international football after the tournament.

Aguirre plans significant rotations for Mexico's final group match against Czechia

· squad

With Mexico already qualified as Group A winners, Aguirre will rotate heavily vs Czechia on 24 June. Ochoa (40) expected to start over Rangel; Montes returns from suspension. Álvarez, Quiñones and Jiménez are rest candidates ahead of the Round of 16. Gutiérrez is a rotation risk on a yellow card.

Aguirre gives Mexico squad a rest day before final group game against Czechia

· general

Coach Javier Aguirre rewarded the squad with a day off ahead of their June 24 group decider against Czechia at the Estadio Azteca, repeating the approach he used before the South Korea match. The team remains based at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento (CAR) in Mexico City through at least the knockout round.

Mexico climb to 11th in FIFA world rankings after two World Cup wins

· general

Mexico rose four places to 11th in the FIFA world rankings following victories over South Africa and South Korea at the 2026 World Cup, up from 15th in April. Their rating increased from 1,681.03 to 1,721.78 points, placing them one position outside the global top 10 ahead of their final group match against Czechia.

Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 to win Group A and become first team into World Cup knockouts

· matches

Luis Romo scored in the 50th minute at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara after South Korean keeper Kim Seung-gyu fumbled a cross. With Montes suspended, Edson Álvarez shifted to centre-back and Romo started in midfield. Raúl Rangel made a crucial double save in the 87th minute. Mexico top Group A with 6 points, zero goals conceded, and are the first team to reach the 2026 World Cup knockout round.

Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in World Cup opener; Montes sent off in stoppage time

· matches

Mexico won their Group A opener 2-0 against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. Quiñones scored in the 9' and Jiménez headed a second on 67'. South Africa finished with nine men (Sithole, Zwane dismissed). César Montes received a straight red card in 90+2' for a DOGSO foul, ruling him out of the next match against South Korea.

César Montes suspended for Mexico's Group A match against South Korea

· squad

Montes received a one-match ban for his 90+2' red card against South Africa, ruling him out of Mexico's next group game against South Korea on 19 June. Coach Javier Aguirre must reshuffle his defensive options; Luis Romo is considered the most likely replacement alongside Johan Vasquez in central defence. It was Montes' third red card in international football.

Mexico reach World Cup opener fully fit and unbeaten in eight

· general

On the eve of the tournament, previews reported Mexico arrives for its opener virtually injury-free, with Javier Aguirre having a fully fit group aside from Marcel Ruiz, who was ruled out in March. Mexico is unbeaten in its last eight matches, equalling the longest unbeaten run it has taken into a World Cup, after warm-up wins over Ghana, Australia and Serbia.

Mexico open the World Cup against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca

· matches

Mexico host South Africa in the 2026 World Cup opening match on 11 June at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a reverse of the 2010 opener between the sides, which ended 1-1 and was also played on 11 June. It is the third time the Estadio Azteca has staged a World Cup opening match.

Mexico thrash Serbia 5-1 in final pre-World Cup warm-up in Toluca

· matches

Mexico beat young, non-qualified Serbia 5-1 at Estadio Nemesio Diez in Toluca. Petar Stanic scored (19'); Johan Vasquez headed the equaliser (34', his second in two friendlies), Stefan Bukinac own goal (45+2'), Raul Jimenez (57'), Adem Avdic own goal (72') and long-range Luis Chavez strike (90'). They dominated possession and shots, their last match before the World Cup opener vs South Africa.

Mexico close out preparation against Serbia in Toluca in final pre-World Cup warm-up

· matches

Mexico face Serbia on 4 June at the Estadio Nemesio Diez in Toluca in Javier Aguirre's last warm-up before the World Cup opener against South Africa, with Aguirre expected to field a side close to his planned XI. Mexico go into the tournament without Luis Angel Malagon, Rodrigo Huescas and Marcel Ruiz, who were in line to start but did not recover from injury in time.

FMF president reaffirms Rafa Marquez's signed contract to lead Mexico through 2030

· coach

FMF executive president Ivar Sisniega reaffirmed that Rafael Marquez has a signed contract to take over as Mexico's head coach after the 2026 World Cup and lead the team through the 2030 cycle, succeeding Javier Aguirre. Sisniega said the plan remains solid and on track, with Marquez currently working as an assistant to learn alongside Aguirre.

Aguirre names Mexico's final 26-man World Cup squad; Berterame and Lainez left out

· squad

Javier Aguirre named Mexico's final 26-man World Cup squad on 1 June, with Guillermo Ochoa heading to a record-equalling sixth World Cup (joining Messi and Ronaldo). Gilberto Mora made it after recovering from pubalgia. Germán Berterame, Diego Lainez and Julián Araujo were notable omissions; Guillermo Martínez was preferred up front.

Mexico edge Australia 1-0 in Rose Bowl World Cup warm-up

· matches

Mexico beat Australia 1-0 in a pre-World Cup friendly at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on 30 May. Johan Vasquez headed in the only goal from an Alexis Vega corner. Guillermo Ochoa came on at half-time and made several saves as Australia pushed in the second half. It was Mexico's penultimate warm-up before the tournament.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Guillermo OchoaGKAEL Limassol
Raúl RangelGKGuadalajara
Carlos AcevedoGKSantos Laguna
Jesús GallardoDFToluca
César MontesDFLokomotiv Moscow
Jorge SánchezDFPAOK
Johan VásquezDFGenoa
Israel ReyesDFAmérica
Mateo ChávezDFAZ Alkmaar
Edson ÁlvarezMFFenerbahçe
Orbelín PinedaMFAEK Athens
Roberto AlvaradoMFGuadalajara
Luis RomoMFGuadalajara
Luis ChávezMFDynamo Moscow
Érik LiraMFCruz Azul
Brian GutiérrezMFGuadalajara
Gilberto MoraMFTijuana
Obed VargasMFAtlético Madrid
Álvaro FidalgoMFReal Betis
Raúl JiménezFWFulham
Alexis VegaFWToluca
Santiago GiménezFWAC Milan
César HuertaFWAnderlecht
Julián QuiñonesFWAl-Qadsiah
Guillermo MartínezFWUNAM
Armando GonzálezFWGuadalajara

Recent results

  • 2024-05-31 — BOL 0-1 MEX (friendly)
  • 2024-06-05 — MEX 0-4 URU (friendly)
  • 2024-06-08 — MEX 2-3 BRA (friendly)
  • 2024-09-07 — MEX 3-0 NZL (friendly)
  • 2024-09-10 — MEX 0-0 CAN (friendly)
  • 2024-10-15 — MEX 2-0 USA (friendly)
  • 2025-06-07 — MEX 2-4 SUI (friendly)
  • 2025-06-10 — MEX 1-0 TUR (friendly)
  • 2025-09-06 — MEX 0-0 JPN (friendly)
  • 2025-09-09 — MEX 2-2 KOR (friendly)
  • 2025-10-11 — MEX 0-4 COL (friendly)
  • 2025-10-14 — MEX 1-1 ECU (friendly)
  • 2025-11-15 — MEX 0-0 URU (friendly)
  • 2025-11-18 — MEX 1-2 PAR (friendly)
  • 2026-01-22 — PAN 0-1 MEX (friendly)
  • 2026-01-25 — BOL 0-1 MEX (friendly)
  • 2026-02-25 — MEX 4-0 ISL (friendly)
  • 2026-03-28 — MEX 0-0 POR (friendly)
  • 2026-03-31 — MEX 1-1 BEL (friendly)
  • 2026-05-30 — MEX 1-0 AUS (friendly)
  • 2026-06-04 — MEX 5-1 SRB (friendly)
  • 2026-06-18 — MEX 1-0 KOR (group)
  • 2026-06-24 — MEX 3-0 CZE (group)
  • 2026-06-30 — MEX 2-0 ECU (round_of_32)
  • 2026-07-05 — ENG 3-2 MEX (round_of_16)

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