The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, represents a pivotal moment for Mexican soccer as the team aims to restore its once-dominant standing. With Javier Aguirre back as head coach, Mexico is focused on performance not just for the trophy but to reclaim its status as the top team in CONCACAF. The tournament will introduce a new format with 48 teams and will kick off on June 11, featuring Mexico against South Africa. Recent struggles, including a failure to advance past the group stage in 2022, amplify the stakes for a deep tournament run.

By the Numbers
  • To win the World Cup: +7000
  • To reach the World Cup final: +2500
  • To reach the Round of 16: -145
  • Aguirre’s managerial record: 17-3-7 (first stint), 19-7-6 (second stint), 15-8-4 (current stint)
State of Play
  • Mexico is unbeaten in 2026 with four wins and two draws from six games.
  • Recent opponent results include a scoreless draw against Portugal and a 1-1 draw vs. Belgium.
  • The team faces a challenging group with South Africa, South Korea, and the Czech Republic.
What's Next

As the World Cup approaches, Mexico aims to secure first place in Group A, enhancing their chances by playing all matches at home. The team should focus on leveraging their home advantage in the early rounds to gain momentum. Depending on their performance, they could face England or Croatia in the Round of 16, which will be critical for setting their trajectory in the knockout phase.

Bottom Line

A deep run in the World Cup is crucial for Mexico to re-establish its identity in international soccer and regain its status over the U.S. in CONCACAF. With a blend of experienced players and rising stars, the expectation is to capitalize on favorable conditions and advance past the Round of 16 at minimum.