Mexico football team gears up for 2026 World Cup after 5-1 win over Serbia
Mexico's national football team, coached by Javier Aguirre, held an intensive offensive training session five days before its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Africa. The 26‑player squad, based on the outskirts of Mexico City, is set to face South Africa, South Korea and the Czech Republic in Group A.
In the latest friendly, Mexico defeated Serbia 5‑1 in Toluca, with goals from Johan Vásquez, Raúl Jiménez and Luis Chávez, and two Serbian own‑goals. Aguirre praised the team's progress, saying, "We have been preparing for 20‑22 months; despite injury setbacks, we come in ascendancy, with good morale and physically well." The coach also noted that any of the 26 players could start in the upcoming tournament. Mexico's recent record includes six wins and two draws in eight preparatory matches, scoring 15 goals while conceding two.
The team will start the World Cup on 11 June 2026, hoping to improve on its group‑stage exit in Qatar 2022.