Mexico coach Aguirre fires back at South Africa after 2-0 World Cup opener

Mexico’s national team opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2‑0 victory over South Africa. After the match, Mexican coach Javier Aguirre responded to South African coach Hugo Broos, who had said Mexico were “desperate” and didn’t know what to do with the ball. Aguirre replied sarcastically, “Lucky we were desperate, otherwise we would have given them five goals,” and disputed Broos’s assessment, noting Mexico’s higher possession and the opposition’s weak defence.

Aguirre also highlighted the intense stadium atmosphere, saying several players felt pressure that caused “their legs to tremble,” though only a few were affected. He emphasized that Mexico is not obsessed with finishing first in the group, stressing the focus now shifts to the upcoming match against South Korea. The coach affirmed the team’s ambition to improve and continue progressing in the tournament.