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Mexico are set to begin their 2026 World Cup campaign unbeaten, with Raul Jimenez chasing a defining career milestone, Brian Gutierrez emerging as a rising star, and Rafa Marquez taking on an increasingly influential role within the team setup.

For Javier “Vasco” Aguirre, few could have imagined a better build-up to a World Cup debut. Mexico head into the tournament unbeaten in 2026, having scored 15 goals and conceded just two.

Aguirre has shaped a team in his own image — defensively tough, tactically organised, and emotionally united. Unlike past tournaments, Mexico arrive without internal chaos or distractions. This time, there is rhythm, squad depth, and healthy competition for starting spots. Most importantly, there is a sense that Aguirre has already begun restoring the pride and belief around El Tri.

“We’ve been preparing for 22 months, and finalising the squad wasn’t an easy task,” Aguirre said following Mexico’s 5-1 win over Serbia. “We faced several challenges — 12 injuries in total — but beyond the scoreline, I feel we’re improving.”

He added, “We’re in good shape, mentally positive, we’ve recovered important players, and we’re reaching this stage in a strong position. With these 26 players, I have many tactical possibilities. I don’t believe we have any weak areas.”

That confidence is visible in his squad selection — a mix of experienced campaigners, young prospects, and late bloomers who have forced their way into contention. Sixteen years to the day after Mexico faced South Africa in the 2010 World Cup opener in Johannesburg, the story comes full circle with Aguirre now leading Mexico at home, possibly for the final time.

Rafa Marquez’s ongoing influence

Rafa Marquez has been a constant presence in nearly every Mexican World Cup campaign since 1998, with Qatar 2022 being the only exception.

That absence proved costly. Without Marquez, Mexico endured their worst modern-era World Cup, exiting in the group stage for the first time since 1978. Now, he’s back — not as a player, but as Aguirre’s assistant on the touchline, guiding and shaping Mexico’s tactical approach.

Marquez is widely expected to take over as national team coach once this World Cup cycle concludes, giving added weight to his current role. While Aguirre remains firmly in charge, Marquez’s influence has grown considerably.

“Rafa’s growth has been remarkable,” Aguirre commented in Toluca. “Initially, he wanted to settle in quietly and observe. But now you see him lead training and think, ‘He’s a coach already.’ I’ll step aside soon enough, and he’ll take over — no question about it.”

Marquez embodies both Mexico’s finest World Cup memories and its toughest disappointments. His experience with pressure, triumph, and criticism gives him unmatched credibility among current players who idolised him growing up.

While Aguirre remains the decision-maker, Marquez’s impact could be noticeable during matches where Mexico dominate possession — perhaps even in the opener against South Africa.

Raul Jimenez set for first World Cup start

After leading Mexico to their first CONCACAF Nations League title in 2025, Raul Jimenez was deeply emotional.

He finished the tournament as its standout performer, scoring all four of Mexico’s goals. That success brought him relief and redemption after the severe head injury he suffered while playing for Wolves against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in 2020. His comeback has been remarkable, and now, his next goal is clear — to start and score in a World Cup match for Mexico.

Before his injury, Jimenez was the key figure under then-coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino. Under Aguirre, that influence has returned. During the early stages of this new era, when Mexico needed to reassert themselves in CONCACAF, Jimenez once again became the face of their resurgence.

This time, however, he’s surrounded by greater support. With emerging talents like Julian Quiñones, Brian Gutierrez, and Alvaro Fidalgo, Jimenez no longer needs to carry the entire attack alone — he just needs to lead it.

Scoring at Estadio Azteca would be particularly emotional for him, especially after the recent loss of his father. The stadium was his first football home, and celebrating a World Cup goal there would complete a personal journey.

South Africa’s readiness for the opener

South Africa’s World Cup preparations have had a noticeable CONCACAF influence, though not one that perfectly replicates Mexico’s style or pace. Bafana Bafana played Panama twice in March (a 1-1 draw and a 2-1 defeat), followed by a goalless draw with Nicaragua and a reported 1-1 draw against Jamaica behind closed doors before shifting focus to Mexico.

While these friendlies offered physical challenges, none of those opponents possessed Mexico’s tempo, tactical control, or altitude advantage. Aguirre’s side are expected to use the conditions and home crowd to their benefit at Estadio Azteca.

South Africa tried to adapt early by arriving in Mexico at the start of June, basing themselves in Pachuca to acclimatise before travelling to Mexico City for the June 11 opener.

Hugo Broos’ squad has enough quality to trouble the hosts if Mexico lose composure. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena can dictate play, Lyle Foster offers attacking movement, and Oswin Appollis — scorer against Panama — adds threat on the counter-attack.

Though South Africa may not have faced teams of Mexico’s calibre recently, they are organised, conditioned, and capable of punishing any lapse by the home side in a high-pressure opener.

Could Luis Romo be Aguirre’s lucky charm?

In 2026, Luis Romo has logged 260 minutes under Aguirre. He missed March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal due to injury, but his inclusion in the final squad shows the coach’s trust.

Romo has impressed in training, regaining pace and fitness after a muscle issue. His tactical adaptability could be crucial against South Africa, especially if Mexico line up with a back three. His ability to transition play quickly could catch the opposition off guard.

While not widely tipped to start, Romo’s form and versatility might earn him a surprise place in the XI or at least a meaningful role off the bench. After being part of Mexico’s 2022 squad without playing, his long-awaited World Cup debut may finally arrive on June 11.

Brian Gutierrez’s breakthrough moment

In recent decades, Giovani dos Santos and Carlos Vela were Mexico’s brightest young hopes, though their World Cup scoring breakthroughs arrived later in their careers — Giovani at 25 in 2014, and Vela at 29 in 2018.

Now, it’s Brian Gutierrez’s turn. The 22-year-old could make his World Cup debut and achieve what his predecessors couldn’t at that age — scoring on the biggest stage.

That challenge is formidable. World Cup goals don’t come easily for Mexico, who managed only two in Qatar 2022. But Gutierrez enters this edition in top form. In two recent friendlies, he scored once and provided an assist. His performance against Serbia hinted at his potential to make a decisive impact in front of goal.

As Mexico prepare to host South Africa, Gutierrez’s energy, creativity, and self-belief could be the spark that lifts El Tri in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.