Mexican national team coach Javier Aguirre is looking forward to the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against South Africa at the Azteca Stadium, Mexico City, tomorrow.
In a press conference as quoted on the Mexican national team website on Thursday, Aguirre expressed this feeling because playing in the World Cup in his own country was a very special moment.
"In my 50 years in football, there's no greater feeling than playing in a World Cup on home soil. I've experienced everything, but this is unforgettable," said Aguirre, who played for Mexico at the 1986 World Cup.
At that time, Aguirre, who played in the midfielder position, played from the first match until his country was defeated 1-4 via penalty shootout in the quarter-finals against Germany.
In 2026, Mexico will co-host the 48-team World Cup with the United States and Canada for the first time.
This is Mexico's 18th World Cup after its debut at the inaugural edition in Uruguay in 1930. This is also Mexico's ninth consecutive World Cup since 1994 in the United States.
