Top News

Mexico have finished at the top of their World Cup group, but not everyone in the squad has seen their reputation rise. Here’s a closer look at who has impressed under Javier Aguirre and who has lost ground as El Tri prepare for the Round of 32.

After achieving their best-ever group-stage performance in World Cup history by securing nine points from nine, Mexico now shift their attention to the Round of 32 on June 30.

Dynamic attacking play from Julián Quiñones and commanding goalkeeping by Raúl "Tala" Rangel have put Mexico in a strong position to launch a memorable knockout run. The team has found a rhythm where goals and saves come in tandem, and belief in Javier “Vasco” Aguirre’s leadership continues to grow with each match.

Following his success in leading Mallorca to the historic 2024 Copa del Rey final — where they narrowly lost to Athletic Bilbao — Aguirre was called once more to guide the national team. Just as in his earlier stints, his mission was to restore unity and purpose in the Mexico camp.

There had been a clear disconnect between players and fans, with supporters growing frustrated about the team’s direction. Aguirre, known for rescuing clubs in tough situations — from Espanyol and Osasuna to Leganés and Mallorca — was trusted to bring stability and results.

With the national side, Aguirre has done more than just steady the ship. He has reignited the players’ connection with the jersey and revived optimism among fans. Now, he is chasing a feat Mexico have not achieved since 1986 — guiding El Tri to the quarterfinals.

Here’s a breakdown of who has seen their stock rise and whose has dipped ahead of the Round of 32.

Stock up: Raúl 'Tala' Rangel

After two group-stage matches, Raúl “Tala” Rangel ranked among the top goalkeepers at the World Cup for accurate long passes, completing 16. It’s another sign of improvement for the Chivas keeper since his first-division debut in 2023.

While his footwork may not yet reach the level of elite goalkeepers like Ederson or Manuel Neuer — both central figures in Pep Guardiola’s teams — Rangel’s steady progress has made his distribution an essential part of Mexico’s build-up play.

His remarkable double save against South Korea in Guadalajara, which preserved all three points, proved he can still deliver the kind of defining moment every World Cup team needs. With El Tri conceding only two goals in 2026, there’s a growing sense that Mexico may finally have found Guillermo Ochoa’s long-term successor.

Stock down: Santiago Giménez

The decision to start Guillermo “Memote” Martínez ahead of Santiago Giménez in the match against Czechia spoke volumes about the AC Milan striker’s current form.

Although Giménez featured off the bench against South Korea and Czechia, he is still searching for the sharpness that defines his best moments. Confidence for a striker comes from scoring, and with limited chances for El Tri, he hasn’t built that momentum. Against Czechia, he missed his one clear opportunity.

That said, Giménez is far from being sidelined. His quality remains unquestioned, and his club record speaks for itself. However, as the knockout phase approaches, Armando “Hormiga” González and Martínez appear to be ahead of him in Aguirre’s pecking order as backup attacking options.

Stock up: Roberto Alvarado

Former Mexico manager and current TUDN analyst Juan Carlos Osorio has been full of praise for how Aguirre has utilised Roberto Alvarado throughout the tournament.

In the opening match against South Africa, Alvarado completed six recoveries and won nine ground duels. While his defensive impact was less pronounced against South Korea, he still managed two recoveries and three clearances.

Osorio commented, “If Aguirre wanted to show us how to build a back five by dropping the winger, he’s done it. No other team is doing this.”

Alvarado’s tireless workrate has been crucial in both attack and defence. He assisted in the victory over South Africa and continues to push for his own goal, but his contribution extends beyond statistics. His influence has grown with each appearance, prompting Aguirre to keep him on the pitch against Czechia. His role is indispensable.

Stock down: Alexis Vega

Alexis Vega entered this cycle as one of Mexico’s most promising attacking outlets. His performances at the 2025 Gold Cup showcased his flair, creativity in tight spaces, and ability to produce decisive moments when confident.

However, this World Cup hasn’t gone as he envisioned. Vega has seen very little playing time, and as others have seized their opportunities, his place in the rotation has become uncertain. Quiñones has been scoring, Alvarado has become tactically vital, and young talents have intensified competition within the squad.

This isn’t a reflection of poor form — far from it. Vega remains a respected figure in the group and contributes to the positive team spirit Aguirre has fostered. Yet, on the pitch, his influence has diminished, and as Mexico head into the Round of 32, he appears more of a squad option than a mainstay.

Stock up: Edson Álvarez

Before the South Korea match in Guadalajara, Edson Álvarez took time to greet two key figures in his career — Juan Carlos Osorio, who handed him his senior debut, and Ricardo La Volpe, who gave him his first professional start with Club América.

Both coaches recognised something early on that is now evident in this version of El Tri. Against South Korea, Álvarez delivered another dominant display.

He recorded a 91 percent passing accuracy, completed all his dribbles, and won every ground and aerial duel he contested.

Few expected Aguirre to deploy Álvarez, Erik Lira, and Luis Romo together before the tournament began, but the combination has worked effectively. Álvarez’s leadership and experience are proving invaluable, and heading into the knockout stage, his starting spot looks secure.