Mexico mystery after Serbia stuffing: Who will start El Tri’s 2026 World Cup opener?
After watching his team thump Serbia in its final tournament tuneup, Mexico boss Javier Aguirre said he’s still mulling his XI for June 11.
The Mexican national team wrapped up its World Cup preparations in emphatic fashion, rolling to a 5-1 win over Serbia that left plenty of encouraging signs on the field.
Mexico’s long road to 2026 World Cup
Speaking postgame, Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre emphasized just how extensive and demanding the team’s build-up to the World Cup has been: “We’ve been preparing for about 20, 22 months,” he explained.
He also acknowledged that trimming down the final roster was far from straightforward, citing a series of setbacks along the way, including “as many as 12 injuries at the same time,” which complicated the team’s planning.
Despite those challenges, Aguirre is confident the squad is peaking at the right moment: “I think we’re arriving in a good place, with a good mindset, good spirit.” He also highlighted the steady recovery of several players and stressed that the team is “on the rise” heading into its World Cup opener.
No Mexico XI set for opening game
One of the biggest takeaways from the press conference was the uncertainty surrounding the starting lineup for Mexico’s World Cup opener on June 11. Aguirre made it clear he has not yet settled on his XI for the Group A clash against South Africa, thanks to the depth and flexibility at every position.
The veteran manager pointed to the fierce internal competition within the squad: “No one is above anyone else,” he said. He explained that all 26 players are on a very similar level, each bringing different traits that allow any of them to step into the lineup without lowering the team’s overall performance.
As for the dominant win over Serbia, Aguirre urged caution against overconfidence: “That result is a double-edged sword.” While he acknowledged the team’s strong moments, he also pointed out areas that still need improvement, warning that too much confidence can be just as damaging as too little.
A unified group heading into the World Cup
In closing, Aguirre praised the cohesion within the squad and its tactical versatility. He described the group as “a very tight-knit family” and emphasized that any player is capable of stepping up and delivering on the pitch.
He wrapped up by stating that he feels at ease with a squad that is evenly matched across the board - physically, technically and mentally - as Mexico looks ahead to its World Cup kickoff.
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