MEXICO CITY — In a recent statement, Mexico’s coach, Javier Aguirre, expressed feeling “privileged” to face the pressure of a World Cup opener against South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
“It’s fantastic. I owe a lot to life, to my parents, my siblings, and of course, my wife. If I’m back here tomorrow, just like I was 40 years ago, it’s a privilege, and I truly feel privileged,” said the veteran coach on Wednesday. This will mark the third time Aguirre leads his national team in the tournament.
“I see it this way and embrace it every day; that’s where my happiness comes from. Being here 40 years later, in a new role, is something I am grateful for on a daily basis.”
Aguirre, now 67, was previously a player for Mexico during the 1986 World Cup.
As co-hosts of the World Cup, El Tri enters the tournament as favorites in Group A, which also includes Czechia and South Korea. When discussing the starting lineup for the match at Estadio Azteca, the first venue to host three World Cups, Aguirre acknowledged that decisions are still undecided.
“I haven’t communicated the starting eleven yet. All 26 players are very eager and believe in their abilities, both in goal and on the field, whether it’s in attack, midfield, or defense. I have full confidence in whoever takes the field,” Aguirre stated.
“Anyone who plays will perform well. I’m very confident about the goalkeeper position, as I have been for some time now.”
Mexico’s best performances in World Cup history occurred during the two tournaments they hosted in 1970 and 1986, where they reached the quarterfinals. Following a disappointing exit in the group stage in 2022, El Tri aims to rebound with a strong performance on home turf.
Aguirre also acknowledged the team’s history of not winning inaugural World Cup matches, a statistic he plans to use as motivation for his players as they head into the opener.
“We need to change that trend,” asserted Aguirre. “That’s an interesting stat I should share with the team. It provides us another reason to go out and win the game.”
After their match against South Africa, Aguirre and his squad will head to Guadalajara to face South Korea on June 18, and will conclude the group stage back at Estadio Azteca against Czechia on June 24.