Julian Araujo began writing his story at Celtic in Scotland, where he found the regularity he was looking for, and this consistency led to a higher level of football. On the club’s recent podcast, the Mexican right-back opened up and talked about what wearing the Mexico national team jersey means to him.
The decision was initially controversial in the United States, as Araujo competed in a lower category before officially representing Mexico in 2021.
Julian Araujo: “My dream was always to play for the Mexican national team”
There are less than 120 days until the start of the biggest World Cup in history, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. Javier Aguirre’s Mexican national team has the honor of facing South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup at the Estadio Azteca, with Julian Araujo aiming to make the World Cup squad.
The list of the Mexican national team is still not complete, with players still in very poor form and injuries to players who were in good form. Due to this situation, Julian Araujo took to his club Celtic’s podcast to remind Javier Aguirre that it is an honor to be part of the Mexican national team as they strive to find a team to represent Mexico at the 2026 World Cup.
I grew up in a Mexican family. My dream and goal was always to play at Estadio Azteca. My dream has always been the Mexican national team. It was a decision I made from the heart. Even if it was only for one game, I wanted to convey to my family the excitement I felt when I wore a jersey with my name on it.
Julian Araujo and his childhood Mexican idol
In the same podcast, the right-back praised coach Javier Aguirre, the right-hand man of the Mexican national team and who is expected to take over as coach of the Azteca team after the 2026 World Cup, with a view to a more formal project towards the 2030 World Cup.
I looked up to Rafa Marquez, Andres Guardado, Chicharito Hernandez, Giovanni dos Santos, Jonathan dos Santos, Memo Ochoa, Raul Jimenez. I dreamed of playing with them and wearing the Mexico jersey. I never felt that way with the U.S. national team. I never got up to watch an American game.
Araujo’s position is likely to be included in the final squad for the 2026 World Cup, as fellow Mexican Rodrigo Huecas is injured and is not expected to recover in time for the tournament. If Julien continues to perform well at Celtic, his place in Mexico could almost be confirmed.
