… "We have to break the statistic," coach Javier Aguirre said. "It will be another source of motivation." Hundreds of protesters returned to an area near Azteca Stadium late Wednesday, most family members or relatives of "disappeared people" alleged to have been killed or kidnapped …
… "It's more exhausting than the previous World Cup, when you are with less countries but we have to accept it." Mexico have played in seven World Cup opening matches but have never won one -- a run that coach Javier Aguirre said he was determined to put right. …
… "We have to break the statistic," coach Javier Aguirre said. "It will be another source of motivation." South Korea and the Czech Republic play the second game on the opening day in Guadalajara. …
… al World Cup return to Mexico for South Africa coach Broos By AFP June 10, 2026 12:20 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter This combination of pictures created on June 9, 2026 shows Mexico's coach Javier Aguirre …
Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup, defeating South Korea 1-0 at Guadalajara Stadium. Luis Romo scored just after half-time to secure Mexico top spot in Group A with a match remaining.
Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup, defeating South Korea 1-0 at Guadalajara Stadium. Luis Romo scored just after half-time to secure Mexico top spot in Group A with a match remaining.
Mexico defeated South Korea 1-0 at Guadalajara Stadium to become the first team to qualify for the World Cup knockout rounds, with Luis Romo's second-half goal securing top spot in Group A with a match remaining.
Mexico and South Korea will meet in Guadalajara on Thursday in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a win guaranteeing either team a place in the knockout rounds. Both teams enter fresh from opening victories—Mexico over South Africa and South Korea over the Czech Republic—and the expanded 48-team format means that even finishing third could advance.
Mexico and South Korea face each other in Guadalajara on Thursday in a Group A fixture where a win will guarantee a last 32 berth. Both teams arrive fresh from opening victories over South Africa and Czech Republic respectively, with the expanded 48-team format and advancement of the eight best-ranked third-place teams meaning either side can secure progression with victory.
The World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, launched Thursday with Mexico taking on South Africa, featuring 48 teams and projected to generate $13 billion in total revenue. The tournament has faced criticism over high ticket prices and visa issues affecting a top referee, Iranian team officials, and fans seeking entry to the United States.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos has challenged his players to cope with the noise at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City for their 2026 World Cup group-stage opener against co-hosts Mexico, with Broos expecting around 85,000 Mexican supporters to create a hostile environment.
The 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, begins Thursday with Mexico facing South Africa; FIFA projects record $13 billion in revenue but faces criticism over ticket prices topping $30,000 and visa denials affecting referees, officials, and fans trying to enter the US.
South African coach Hugo Broos, who played for Belgium in the 1986 World Cup opener at Mexico's Estadio Azteca, will return to the same stadium forty years later to lead South Africa against Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11.
Mexico defeated Serbia 5-1 in a World Cup preparation match, with goals from Johan Vasquez, Stefan Bukinac (own goal), Raul Jimenez, another own goal, and Luis Chavez. Mexico will begin the tournament on June 11 against South Africa in Group A, which also includes South Korea and Czech Republic.
Mexico's football federation threatened to exclude domestic club players from the World Cup squad if they fail to report for a pre-tournament training camp. The standoff arose after several internationals signalled they may not be able to join the camp, which is taking place outside FIFA's designated international window.