Mexico’s World Cup plan: the next steps
Javier Aguirre, the head coach of the Mexican men’s national team, has asked FMF bosses to line up high-caliber opposition.
In a bid to prepare his squad for more demanding match conditions, Mexico men’s national team head coach Javier Aguirre has requested that the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) schedule friendlies in Central America against high-caliber opponents - games designed to challenge and elevate his players. According to the current plan, which is nearing finalization, El Tri will travel to the region in January to play two matches featuring players exclusively from Liga MX.
This initiative was confirmed on Monday by FMF Executive President Ivar Sisniega during an event in Guadalajara, where he appeared alongside Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus. The occasion also saw former golf star Lorena Ochoa named as an ambassador for the city in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sisniega also revealed that Mexico is planning two marquee European opponents for next year. Portugal and France are rumored to be the teams lined up.
“We want to face demanding rivals”
“We’re closing out the year with four top-tier CONMEBOL teams. Tomorrow we face Ecuador, and we’ll wrap up the year with matches against Uruguay and Paraguay,” Sisniega said.
“In January, we’re finalizing arrangements for matches in Central America. Javier Aguirre asked us to seek out difficult environments - not just games in Mexico or the U.S., but matches that test the players in different ways. These games will feature Liga MX players to allow for greater focus and cohesion,” he explained.
Looking ahead to March, Sisniega noted that both opponents are likely to be European sides, with negotiations in the final stages. “We want to face demanding rivals. Ahead of the World Cup, we’ll also play three more matches - probably two in Mexico and one in the U.S. - against elite competition. Javier Aguirre has made it clear: he doesn’t want easy games. He wants the players to be fully prepared for what’s coming at the World Cup.”
Despite growing skepticism among fans following a string of poor results - including a humbling 4-0 defeat to Colombia last Saturday - Sisniega reiterated the federation’s confidence in Aguirre’s process. The veteran coach is set to lead Mexico into his third World Cup at the helm of El Tri.
“We trust in Javier Aguirre’s vision”
“We’re focused on securing top-level opponents. At the World Cup, we need our players performing at their peak, and these matches are key to getting them there,” Sisniega said.
“We’re optimistic. Playing at home will be a big advantage, especially with the altitude factor. That’s why the six-week training camp we’re planning before the tournament is so important. We have high expectations, and we trust in Javier Aguirre’s vision. He’s finalizing the list of players who will be part of this journey,” he concluded.
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