Mexico keeps World Cup 2026 opening lineup secret, says coach Javier Aguirre

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre, 67, has selected the 11 players who will face South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but he has not revealed which of them will start. The squad includes three goalkeepers, and Aguirre indicated that the team has "enough time and preparation for any eventuality," leaving the possibility of a last‑minute change.

Aguirre, who is in his third World Cup cycle after leading Mexico in 2002 and 2010, reflected on the nation’s history in opening fixtures – five defeats and two draws since 1930 – and on the disappointment of exiting the group stage in Qatar 2022. He emphasized his responsibility as coach and his aim to revitalize a squad still carrying the weight of that recent exit.

The secrecy comes as Mexico prepares to host the tournament for the first time, hoping to improve on past performances and give the players a sense of family and confidence ahead of the historic home event.