Mexico coach Aguirre unsure of starting XI for World Cup opener

Mexico’s national team coach Javier Aguirre said he already has a preferred starting eleven for the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against South Africa, but he has not yet told the players. He told reporters, "No he hablado con ellos del 11 titular, los 26 están muy ilusionados… No tengo ninguna duda de que al que le toque salir lo hará muy bien." Despite his confidence, he could not name a captain or even three certain starters, stating, "I wouldn't be able to say today who will start playing. I wouldn't dare to say even three players who will start playing."

South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos admitted he also does not know which eleven Mexico will field. The match will take place at the Estadio Azteca as the tournament kicks off, marking a historic encounter between the two coaches who played in the opening game of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.