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Mexico are undoubtedly one of the most entertaining teams to watch at any World Cup and have built a reputation for causing upsets and putting up strong fights against some of the biggest teams in the tournament.
They have already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts and will be optimistic about making a deep run. Most recently, they defeated rivals USA in the final to lift the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Although El Tri are a reasonably strong side, their performance at the previous edition of the World Cup in 2022 was disappointing. They were knocked out in the group stage, despite having previously reached the Round of 16 seven times in a row.
Mexico’s best-ever performance at the World Cup is now a distant memory, having reached the quarter-finals in both the 1970 and 1986 editions of the competition. Will they be able to go further this time around? Let’s find out by taking a closer look at their squad strength.
Mexico are undoubtedly one of the most entertaining teams to watch at any World Cup and have built a reputation for causing upsets and putting up strong fights against some of the biggest teams in the tournament.
They have already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts and will be optimistic about making a deep run. Most recently, they defeated rivals USA in the final to lift the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Although El Tri are a reasonably strong side, their performance at the previous edition of the World Cup in 2022 was disappointing. They were knocked out in the group stage, despite having previously reached the Round of 16 seven times in a row.
Mexico’s best-ever performance at the World Cup is now a distant memory, having reached the quarter-finals in both the 1970 and 1986 editions of the competition. Will they be able to go further this time around? Let’s find out by taking a closer look at their squad strength.
When it comes to Mexican goalkeepers, every football fan is familiar with the name Guillermo Ochoa. The 40-year-old keeper will be 41 by the time the World Cup kicks off next year. However, despite his age, Ochoa is expected to make the Mexico squad, having already played in three World Cups.
This time around, though, Ochoa is expected to serve as the backup, with Luis Malagon of Club America showing great promise for El Tri between the sticks. Malagon started all of Mexico’s matches during their triumphant Gold Cup campaign and is currently the front-runner to be the first-choice goalkeeper at the tournament next year.
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Mexico’s backline for the 2026 World Cup will be filled with experience. Although they may not have the depth to rotate many players, some names are undroppable regardless. Johan Vasquez of Genoa will be an essential figure at the heart of the defense, while Jesus Gallardo and Jorge Sanchez, in the wider areas, bring immense experience and will be key for Mexico if they are to make a deep run in the tournament.
Cesar Montes is also a valuable asset for Gerardo Martino’s side and could partner Vasquez as the second center-back, having already featured in the 2025 Gold Cup final.
Meanwhile, Julian Araujo has performed decently for Bournemouth in the الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز and could be an interesting option moving forward if he continues to deliver at the top level.
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Unlike the defense, Mexico have a balance of young talents and experienced players in midfield. Edson Alvarez has been a key figure for West Ham متحد in the Premier League and has also played a crucial role for the national team in the defensive midfield position. Alvarez will be essential for Mexico at the World Cup in maintaining their shape and dictating the tempo of the game. He also scored the winner for Mexico in the recent Gold Cup final against the USA.
Meanwhile, 16-year-old Gilberto Mora also started in the Gold Cup final and, despite his young age, has already secured his place as a starter for the national team. Although Mora will be just 17 by the time the World Cup kicks off, he could emerge as one of the star players of the tournament if Mexico go far.
Marcel Ruiz and Carlos Rodriguez have also performed well for the national team and could have a role to play for El Tri at the showpiece event next year.
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In the forward line for Mexico, Raul Jimenez is expected to play a key role as the center-forward. The Fulham striker will carry the responsibility of finding the back of the net for Mexico, alongside San Diego’s Hirving Lozano. Back in 2018, Lozano scored the only goal in a shocking upset against then-defending champions Germany.
Santiago Gimenez, who recently joined AC Milan from Feyenoord, has also been a regular in the national team and is expected to feature in the starting lineup at the World Cup for Gerardo Martino’s side.
Julian Quinones has also made a strong case for himself in recent months, thanks to his brilliant goal-scoring run for Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League. He finished the season as the fifth top scorer in the league, behind big names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
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Fulham’s Raul Jimenez is one of the most experienced players in the Mexico squad. Having already played in three World Cups, Jimenez will be optimistic about making his fourth appearance for El Tri. He has made important contributions for the national team over the years and will be one of their key players at the showpiece event next year.
Edson Alvarez is another player who has continued to grow as an essential part of the Mexican setup. As mentioned earlier, Alvarez’s presence will be crucial for Gerardo Martino’s side in holding the midfield and dictating the tempo of the game.
Young Gilberto Mora has already established himself as a rising sensation and could be a key member and potential star for Mexico at the World Cup next year, despite still being in his teenage years.
In defense, Jesus Gallardo and Jorge Sanchez will both be vital with their work rate and ability to provide width in the wider areas.
As mentioned before, Malagon is expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper for Mexico ahead of the legendary Ochoa at the World Cup next year.
In the backline, Jesus Gallardo and Jorge Sanchez are almost guaranteed to start as the main full-back pairing for Martino’s side, with Johan Vasquez partnering Bournemouth’s Julian Araujo at the heart of the defense.
In midfield, Edson Alvarez will take up the defensive midfield role, with Marcel Ruiz and Gilberto Mora operating as central midfielders.
Moving on to the attack, Hirving Lozano and Raul Jimenez are expected to be the primary threats up front for El Tri, alongside Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan.
Predicted Mexico starting XIu0026nbsp;(4-3-3): Malagon; Gallardo, Vasquez, Araujo, Sanchez; Alvarez, Mora, Ruiz; Lozano, Jimenez, Gimenez
