Mexico and the World Cup Round of 16 have a long, unhappy relationship. El Tri have gone out at that stage again and again, and in 2026 they are one of the hosts, so the pressure to finally get past it is enormous. Santiago Giménez has been tearing through defences in the Eredivisie, Edson Álvarez brings Premier League toughness, and Mexican supporters will make serious noise. Whether that breaks the curse is another matter.
Javier Aguirre is the manager, Hirving Lozano joins Giménez and Álvarez among the key players, and Mexico sit around 15th in the FIFA ranking.
Who carries Mexico's hopes?
Giménez, above all. He became a goal machine at Feyenoord and is a clinical finisher in the box, and he is now the new Mexican hero. Álvarez brings West Ham toughness and Premier League experience to the midfield battles. Lozano's pace and directness on the wing, honed at PSV, can trouble full-backs in transition. Aguirre has managed at several World Cups, and that tournament knowledge matters.
The crowd may be the biggest weapon of all. Mexico's passionate supporters promise a home advantage few teams at the tournament will enjoy, and with 80,000 fans in the Azteca anything feels possible.
Mexico have the talent, the support and the desperation. We have also heard this story before, and it tends to end the same way. Will 2026 be different?
Tomorrow: number 13.
