The Maxican Cohost

Mexico Mexico is looking to face their demons and put the past performances behind them. In 2026 they are hosting games of the World Cup and will have a home crowd to root them on. Mexico did not play any World Cup qualifying games. So let’s look at their friendlies. Since winning the Gold Cup against the United States they have played 14 games, they had 6 wins, 2 losses, and 6 draws. They scored 19 goals and conceded 11 goals. They played top level teams like Japan, South Korea, Columbia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, Panama, Bolivia, Portugal, and Belgium. They lost to Columbia 0-4 and Paraguay 1-2. Other than those games they won or tied their opponents. Mexico plays a 4-3-3 hybrid focusing on making sure everything is organized. They have a strong group of defenders. Those four that will most likely be starting will be Gallardo, Vásquez, Montes, and Reyes. All of those players come from Mexicos leagues but primarily Liga MX. This team is very conditioned and will not run out of stamina. This Mexican National Team does lack offensive creativity, they don’t have anyone who will dance through the defense. That’s a problem for me in the long run of this tournament. A break out star will be Gilberto Mora, the next Mexican wonder kid. at 17 years old he is representing his country on the biggest stage. Last year he was 16 and playing in the Gold Cup final. If he can be creative and make chances for Mexico that could make an astronomical impact. If Mora can have a big tournament Europe will be calling very soon. Mexico does have one premier league player and that is Raul Jiménez. He played 36 matches for Fulham this season and had a match average of 6.7. He will be an important forward for Mexico despite being 35. Obed Vargas will also have to have a big tournament if Mexico wants to make it far. Playing only 12 matches for Athletico Madrid this 20 year old should be ready to come off the bench late in the match. I’m not saying I don’t believe in this team but I don’t really expect them to get to far. Sitting in a tough group A with South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia they are going to have to win, not draw. I don’t see the firepower up front. If Álvarez can get going early and stay hot that would be huge. I like South Korea to win this group though. Mexico should definitely make it out in second place with Czechia not far behind. I see Mexico losing pretty early in the knockouts. I know how that sounds coming from an American, but I truly don’t see them getting anywhere special. I have been wrong before and I’ll keep being wrong, so who really knows. How far do you think they’ll go?