The curious record Mexico boss Javier Aguirre holds in FIFA World Cups

Javier Aguirre made his third World Cup debut in charge of Mexico, and once again avoided defeat in his opening game at the tournament.

Aguirre and his World Cup openers

His first World Cup with El Tri came at Korea-Japan 2002, when Mexico faced Croatia in their opening group-stage match and won 2-1.

Eight years later, Aguirre returned to the national team for South Africa 2010, drawing the World Cup opener after Rafael Márquez scored for Mexico.

Now, 16 years on, Mexico again faced South Africa in an opening game, with El Tri beating Bafana Bafana to preserve Aguirre’s unbeaten start and claim their first ever victory in a World Cup opener.

At the 2002 World Cup, Mexico beat Croatia and Ecuador, drew with Italy and lost to the United States. In South Africa 2010, Aguirre’s side beat France, drew with South Africa and lost to Uruguay and Argentina.

Across his first two World Cups, Aguirre recorded three wins, two draws and three defeats, with Mexico’s remaining matches at the 2026 World Cup still to come.

Next Thursday, Aguirre will take charge of his 10th World Cup match as Mexico coach, when El Tri face South Korea at Guadalajara Stadium.

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