Co-host of the World Cup, Mexico, expressed optimism about its prospects for advancing beyond the group stage following the draw for the tournament. Mexico will face South Africa, South Korea, and a yet-to-be-named European team.
Mexico, nicknamed El Tri, will begin its campaign on June 11 in Mexico City against South Africa, replicating the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, which South Africa hosted.
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Coach Javier Aguirre, in his third term with the Mexico team, also led the squad during their previous encounter with South Africa, where they drew 1-1. Mexico advanced to the round of 16, while South Africa was the first host nation to exit in the group stage.
In addition to facing South Africa, Mexico will compete against South Korea in Guadalajara on June 18. The final group match will be played back in Mexico City against the victor of a European playoff featuring teams like Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, and the Republic of Ireland.
Some analysts characterized the group as “easy,” but Aguirre took a more cautious stance. “We’ve faced Korea, and they are not a simple opponent. They are disciplined and well-organized, and South Africa presents its own challenges,” he stated after the draw in Washington, D.C. “They are solid teams, but we have a chance, especially with the support of our home crowd.”
Despite being eliminated in the group stage during the 2022 World Cup and experiencing mixed results in international matches leading up to the tournament, Mexico maintains high hopes. Striker Raúl Jiménez, who plays for Fulham, remarked, “There won’t be any easy opponents, but it could have been worse. I think it’s a good group, and we are focused on taking it one match at a time, aiming to win and finish at the top.”
Historically, Mexico has faced South Korea twice in World Cup matches, winning both in France 1998 and Russia 2018. The teams played to a 2-2 draw in a friendly last September.
“It’s essentially a European team, with players mostly based in Europe except for the goalkeeper. They have a coach I’m familiar with and possess physical strength, making them a formidable opponent,” Aguirre noted.
Team captain Edson Álvarez believes the team can achieve significant success in the World Cup. “I’m pleased we have previously faced these rivals,” Álvarez told TUDN regarding his team’s group.
Álvarez, currently on loan at Fenerbahçe from West Ham United, emphasized that competing at home will boost the Mexican team’s aspirations to match its best historical performances, having reached the quarterfinals in previous World Cups held in Mexico in 1970 and 1986. “As hosts, you feel a sense of responsibility to kick off this great event,” Álvarez added. “We rely on the additional support from our fans, and starting the event against South Africa will help us strive for great things.”
The winners and runners-up from the 12 groups will progress to the new round of 32, along with the top eight third-place teams.
Aguirre, who was part of the Mexico squad that lost to West Germany on penalties in the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup, sees hot weather as a potential advantage next year. “I remember the intense heat during the 1986 match against Germany. It could be a tough situation for our opponents, but we will be preparing at home,” the 67-year-old coach remarked. “We hope to have our players currently abroad return soon so that they can adjust.”
This report includes information from The Associated Press.