PREVIEW: Mexico prepare for third World Cup as host nation | OneFootball

Mexico will become the first country to host three World Cup tournaments when they open proceedings against South Africa in Mexico City next Thursday.

Germany, France, Italy, Brazil and the United States will have each hosted two iterations of the competition but Mexico will become the first nation to play compete on home soil three times, adding the 2026 World Cup to those in 1970 and 1986.

El Tri, as they’re affectionately called due to their tricoloured flag, will be hoping to return to the knockout stages after crashing out in the groups in 2022 – having bowed out at the round of 16 stage in the previous seven World Cups before Qatar 2022.

Their two best finishes have come on familiar territory, only reaching the last eight when the tournament has been played on Mexican soil.

Boss Javier Aguirre has restored belief amongst the national team after returning for a third stint in charge. He led his side to a first CONCACAF Nations League title in March 2025 before defeating the US in the final of the Gold Cup four months later.

Veteran Guillermo Ochoa has become the first goalkeeper to be selected for six World Cup squads but he’ll have to battle with CD Guadalajara shot-stopper Raul Rangel for the starting shirt.

Aguirre had preferred Club America’s Luis Malagon as his first choice goalkeeper before he was ruled out of the tournament with a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Ochoa may have etched his name into the record books but Gilberto Mora – the youngest player at this year’s finals, at just 17 years and 240 days – will also grab a slice of history by becoming the youngest player to represent his Mexico on the world stage.

Fulham striker Raul Jimenez is yet to register a World Cup finals goal despite appearing in the last three tournaments. His country will be captained by West Ham’s Edson Alvarez, who spent the season on loan at Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Another promising option is midfielder Brian Gutierrez, who provides an alternative source of goals. AC Milan forward Santiago Gimenez may have struggled to make an impression on Italy thus far but also brings firepower to Aguirre’s team.

Having automatically secured their place at the tournament as a host nation, Mexico avoided being drawn against any of the Pot 1 nations which poises them as many fans’ favoruites to finish top of Group A, containing South Korea, South Africa, and Czechia.

Historically, opponents have found it difficult to adjust to the altitude at the infamous Estadio Azteca, temporarily renamed as the Mexico City Stadium, which may provide the co-hosts with an advantage prior to the knockout stages.

Group A is shaping up to be a competitive section of the draw.

South Korea performed admirably in Qatar and went unbeaten in their qualification campaign this time around, while South Africa pipped Nigeria to top their CAF qualifying group. Czechia saw off Denmark to book their place in North America.

Mexico will open the tournament against South Africa in Mexico City on Thursday 11th of June. El Tri will then face South Korea in Guadalajara in the early hours (GMT) of Friday 19th of June before facing Czechia in the capital six days later.