All you need to know about Mexico before World Cup opener

Fifa World Cup 2026: What you need to know about MexicoImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Mexico have gone 40 years without winning a World Cup knockout gamePublished5 June 2026ByTom McCoyBBC Sport journalistGet the lowdown on every team at the 2026 World Cup. Here we take a closer look at Mexico.What can I expect from Mexico?Mexico were quarter-finalists on the two previous occasions they were World Cup hosts, but repeating that feat could be a tall order. This is by no means a vintage Mexican side, with relatively few players based in Europe's top five leagues and the team's biggest name, Raul Jimenez, in the twilight of his career. There has also been some negativity around El Tri's style of play, with some fans even booing them in goalless draws against Uruguay and Portugal.But the atmosphere at a home World Cup should be more upbeat and if Javier Aguirre's side can win the tournament opener against South Africa, momentum could quickly build. Aguirre usually demands an aggressive high press from his players, and often fields a narrow front three, with full-backs pushing forward to provide the width.What are Mexico's strengths?The co-hosts have been handed a kind draw, have home advantage and should also benefit from playing all three group games at altitude, where the thinner air can sap opponents' energy.They work tirelessly to regain possession quickly and underlined their defensive solidity in March's draws with Portugal and Belgium. Johan Vasquez and Cesar Montes complement each other effectively at centre-back, making Mexico a tough nut to crack. And what about their weaknesses?El Tri have often struggled to find attacking fluency under Aguirre and if they do toil this summer, supporters may quickly get edgy. The squad appears a little light on specialist centre-backs, while goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon – who was expected to be the number one – was ruled out in March with a torn Achilles tendon.How might Mexico line...