CORNERFLICK
Javier Aguirre has said Mexico are fully prepared for their World Cup 2026 opener against South Africa and believes his squad are in good shape for the tournament's first match.
The 67-year-old, speaking at a press conference at Estadio Azteca, said the chance to coach Mexico at a home World Cup was the most exciting moment of his long career. Aguirre, known in Mexican football as "El Vasco", represented Mexico at the 1986 World Cup, when they reached the quarter-finals, still the country's best World Cup finish.
Mexico go into the tournament unbeaten this calendar year, and Aguirre said his players have bought into his message and grown close as a group.
He also said he already knows his starting XI for South Africa, though he has not yet told the players. Aguirre added that the squad have had enough time to prepare, have come through an injury spell, and are mentally ready.
Aguirre praised South Africa and warned that the opener will be a difficult match, but said he believes Mexico can have a successful World Cup.