“Mexico can win the World Cup”
After Mexico qualified from Group A with maximum points, midfielder Gilberto Mora is very confident about El Tri’s prospects.
Gilberto Mora says Mexico have what it takes to lift their maiden global title this summer, after the World Cup co-hosts enjoyed an impressive group phase.
Mora made the confident claim in the wake of Wednesday’s dominant matchday-three victory over Czechia, as the Mexicans now prepare for the round of 32.
“Mexico can win the World Cup‚” the 17-year-old told reporters at the Estadio Azteca, fresh from helping El Tri to round off a 100% record in Group A.
It is the first time the team has ever won all three of its games in the group stage of a men’s World Cup. What’s more, the Mexicans are yet to concede a goal at the 2026 finals.
“It hasn’t all fully sunk in just yet, but I’m really happy,” Mora said.
“Very tough” tests await
Mora warned, though, that Javier Aguirre’s men must be ready for the increased demands of the World Cup’s knockout rounds.
“We could be up against some very tough opposition, so we have to keep working our socks off if we want to stick to winning ways,” the Tijuana midfielder said.
Who will Mexico play in the 2026 World Cup round of 32?
In Mexico City on Wednesday, goals by Mateo Chávez, Julián Quiñones and Álvaro Fidalgo secured a 3-0 victory for Mexico, who had already won Group A thanks to a 1-0 win over South Korea on matchday two.
Having qualified as group winners, the Mexicans will now remain at the Azteca for the opening knockout round at least. In the last 32 on June 30, the iconic arena will be the venue as El Tri takes on the third-placed team from Group C, E, F, H or I.
As things stand, Mexico’s last-32 opponents would be one of Cape Verde, Ecuador, Scotland, Senegal or Sweden.
Should Mexico successfully negotiate the last 32, they will also have home advantage in the round of 16. From the quarterfinal stage onwards, however, all remaining knockout-stage clashes will be hosted by the U.S.
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