MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico prepares to co-host world cup,coach Javier Aguirre We don’t just focus on tactical training and physical fitness. He is also carrying out psychological operations off the pitch, doing everything in his power to inspire a historic breakthrough on home soil.
To fuel that fire, El Tri’s base camp in the Centro de Alto Rendimiento recently welcomed some powerful inspirations, including veterans of Mexico’s 1986 World Cup team and boxing greats. julio cesar chavez.
“The idols will change, the uniforms will evolve, but the pride of representing Mexico will remain,” said Mikel Arriola, commissioner of the Mexican Football Federation. “What the Legends went through in ’86 was historic, but what happens in 2026 has the potential to match it.”
Mexico’s best World Cup results were in 1970 and 1986, when they reached the quarterfinals as hosts. Chavez is considered one of the greatest Mexican fighters of all time, an inspirational figure who won six world titles across three weight classes.
“I hear people talk about getting to Game 5, but I believe you’ll get much farther,” Chavez told his team. “It doesn’t matter if your opponent is faster or stronger than you. Dare to dream big.”
Mexico failed to advance beyond the last 16 in seven consecutive World Cups from 1994 to 2022, and the so-called “Round 5” (quarterfinals) became the center of attention for local media and fans.
The 2026 edition, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, will be a little trickier. With the number of participating teams expanded to 48 teams and the round of 32 added after the group stage, the quarterfinals will be the sixth match for the teams that advance in this tournament.
home advantage
Aguirre, the starting midfielder for the 1986 national team, has emphasized the rare benefits of playing the World Cup at home and the career-defining impact of historic performances.
“We went to the Museum of Anthropology and it was amazing. For the players, it was an incredible experience. They need to know where we come from,” Coach Aguirre said. “It was exciting for me and you could see it on the faces of the players. It was a great success to be there.”
spiritual strength
Additionally, the Mexican federation has rehired Spanish mental performance coach Imanol Ibalondo. He previously worked with El Tri at the 2018 World Cup and assisted the Ecuadorian team at the 2022 Qatar tournament.
“Imanol did a great job for us. We had individual and group sessions and we got to know each other better,” 22-year-old defender Mateo Chavez said before Wednesday’s practice. “I think all of this has helped us grow.”
The Mexican team opens its World Cup campaign on Thursday against South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium.
___ AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
