Javier Aguirre Embraces Pressure Ahead of Mexico’s World Cup Opening Match

Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre says he feels “privileged” rather than pressured as he prepares to lead his country into their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca.

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s curtain-raiser, Aguirre reflected on the significance of returning to football’s biggest stage in a different role four decades after representing Mexico as a player at the 1986 World Cup.

Now leading the national side for a third separate World Cup campaign as manager, the 67-year-old described the occasion as both emotional and rewarding.

“Fantastic. I’m grateful to life, to my parents, my siblings, my wife, of course.

“If I’m here tomorrow just like I was 40 years ago, it is a privilege, and I feel privileged.

“I consider it that and live it as such every day; that’s where my joy lies.

“Being here 40 years later, repeating this scene now in another trench or in another position.

“All I can do is give thanks every day.”

Aguirre featured for Mexico during the 1986 World Cup and now returns to the tournament carrying the responsibility of guiding the national team on home soil.

Selection Decisions Still Open Ahead of Opener

As one of the tournament’s co-host nations, Mexico enter the competition carrying expectation and optimism in Group A, where they will face South Africa, South Korea and Czechia.

However, Aguirre indicated that no final decision has yet been made regarding his starting line-up.

The experienced manager stressed his confidence in the entire 26-player squad and suggested competition for places remains open.

“I haven’t spoken to them about the starting eleven.

“All 26 are very excited.

“They know they can do it and they have no doubts that they’ll do well — in goal, in attack, in midfield and in defensive midfield.

“I have no doubts about whoever starts.

“Whoever plays will do very well.

“And I’m very confident about the goalkeeper position, as I’ve said for a long time.”

Mexico Target Strong Start After 2022 Disappointment

Mexico will begin the tournament determined to improve on their disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup.

Historically, the national team’s strongest performances have come when hosting the competition, reaching the quarter-finals in both 1970 and 1986.

Aguirre also admitted he had not been aware of Mexico’s record in opening World Cup matches but quickly embraced the statistic as additional motivation.

“We have to break that trend.

“That’s a good stat, I should share it with the guys.

“It’s another good reason why we have to go out there and win the game.”

Following their opening fixture at the Estadio Azteca, Mexico will travel to Guadalajara to face South Korea on 18 June before returning to Mexico City to conclude the group stage against Czechia on 24 June.

With expectation building at home and memories of previous World Cup campaigns in the background, Aguirre now hopes to guide El Tri to a strong start on football’s biggest stage.